Jan Hoeijmakers

At a glance

• Jan Hoeijmakers is a Dutch molecular biologist, biochemist and geneticist at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam. He also works at the University of Cologne.
• He is known for unravelling DNA repair mechanisms: the systems cells use to fix damage to their genetic material.
• His research showed how defects in these repair systems lead to cancer, inherited diseases and accelerated ageing. Mice with such a defect age strikingly fast.
• In a Nature study (2016) such mice lived up to three times longer and kept their nerve cells healthier for longer when they were fed about 30 percent less.
• He has received the Spinoza Prize, the highest Dutch science award, among other honours. He regularly discusses the role of diet and DNA damage in ageing in the media.
• For longevity, his work identifies DNA damage as one of the engines of ageing and shows that diet can influence its impact.
• Takeaway: limit sources of DNA damage such as smoking and sunburn, and avoid chronically overeating.