Searching for the fountain of autophagy-dependent youth: Ettore Bergamini. Interview by Daniel J. Klionsky

One of the most exciting aspects of autophagy is its connection with aging, and the possibility of manipulating autophagy to extend life span. Many studies now demonstrate a general decrease in autophagy with age and offer some very interesting indications that reversing this trend, either genetically or pharmacologically, can have a beneficial effect with regard to aging. One of the first researchers to consider the connection between diet, aging and autophagy is Ettore Bergamini, the subject of this interview.