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In feral populations most animals die from environmental hazards as relatively young adults, therefore selection for long life seldom occurs. The consequence of this is that selection favours genes that protect young organisms from certain diseases. Curiously, these same genes become harmful and lead to ageing traits when lifespan is extended. Professor Chris Hutchison considers whether understanding what these genes are, and what they do, can address questions relating to healthy ageing.

Chris Hutchison is Principal of the College of St Hild and St Bede and Professor of Animal Cell Biology at Durham University. His principal research interests relate to the structure, function and biosynthesis of the nuclear envelope and the role of the nuclear envelope proteins in human ageing. A member of the Centre for Stem Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and of the Centre for Bioactive Chemistry, Professor Hutchison is also a Fellow of the Wolfson Research Institute at Durham University’s Queen’s College Campus, Stockton, which conducts research on human health and wellbeing.