Title: The Human Ageing Genomic Resources
Funder: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Abstract: In spite of a growing body of research and data, human ageing remains a poorly understood process. To facilitate studies of ageing, we developed the Human Ageing Genomic Resources (HAGR), which are now the leading online resource for research on the biology and genetics of ageing. HAGR consists of six core databases: 1) the GenAge database of ageing-related genes, in turn composed of a dataset of >300 human ageing-related genes and a dataset with >2000 genes associated with ageing or longevity in model organisms; 2) the AnAge database of animal ageing and longevity, featuring >4000 species; 3) the GenDR database with >200 genes associated with the life-extending effects of dietary restriction; 4) the LongevityMap database of human genetic association studies of longevity with >800 genes; 5) the DrugAge database with >400 ageing or longevity-associated drugs or compounds; 6) the CellAge database with >200 genes associated with cell senescence. Overall, HAGR provides users with the most comprehensive and accessible online databases available today in the field of biogerontology. As the field of ageing has progressed, the volume of data being generated has rapidly increased. There is a need to put this complex data into context. HAGR extracts and systematically organises this data, providing quantitative data were possible, making a wide variety of studies possible. This project builds on HAGR by continuing to develop existing databases, creating new resources of value to researchers, and improving interfaces, tools and data integration and sharing. In addition to updating our existing databases, the quality and quantity of information provided will be improved and additional resources, such as ageing-related pathways and gene expression changes with age, will be created. Given the current exponential growth in data in the field of ageing and longevity, further developing and updating HAGR is timely and essential for the biosciences community working on ageing.

Lay abstract: Ageing is a major biomedical challenge of the 21st century and research on the biology and genetics of ageing has an unparalleled potential to improve quality of life and health. The Human Ageing Genomic Resources (HAGR) are a collection of online databases and tools designed to assist basic research on ageing. This project aims to maintain, update and enhance HAGR to sustain its world-leading status and continue serving the scientific community with high-quality data._x000D__x000D_ _x000D__x000D_ In a remarkable series of recent breakthroughs, a number of genes capable of altering the ageing process have been identified in animal models and even a few in humans. This is a fascinating and important area of research, yet there is a tremendous number of genes being associated with ageing and longevity that keeping track of them all is becoming increasingly difficult. To help researchers address these issues we created various databases of genes related to longevity and/or ageing. Numerous researchers employ our gene databases in their work as an informational website and/or as a tool for data-mining and for interpreting experimental results._x000D__x000D_ _x000D__x000D_ Although finding mechanisms of ageing conserved between model organisms and humans is important, the diversity of ageing rates between similar species is remarkable. Understanding why different species age at different rates may provide key insights into the mechanisms of human ageing. Also part of HAGR is a database of ageing in animals with over 4,000 species, featuring the most accurate and complete collection of longevity records available in any format. Our database is an essential resource for researchers working on comparative and evolutionary studies of ageing to identify factors or features that correlate with species longevity._x000D__x000D_ _x000D__x000D_ The HAGR databases are widely-used by ageing researchers worldwide and have been invaluable in many different types of studies. Indeed, HAGR has been cited over 500 times. Besides, our online resources receive over 30,000visitors per month, showcasing HAGR's importance in the field. All HAGR databases are open access and also provide users with the possibility to export, download and reuse the data for their own analyses._x000D__x000D_

Research activity codes: 1.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (UNDERPINNING);2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY);4.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (DETECTION);5.9 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE