FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GENES THAT PROLONG LIFE TOPIC OF APRIL 15 LECTURE

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 12, 2002 - "Genes That Prolong Life" will be the topic of a lecture presented by Dr. Andrzej Bartke April 15 on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

The lecture is being sponsored by Phi Kappa Phi honor society and is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Glenn Auditorium of Robert A. Dempster Hall.

Bartke's lecture will consist of a discussion on the key phenotypic characteristics of long-living mutant and knock-out mice with an emphasis on those characteristics that may be related to delayed aging in these animals. He also will address the broader topic of the relationship between GH, growth, maturation, body size and aging and attempt to reconcile the well-publicized antiaging action of GH with the evidence that suppression of GH release or action can prolong life.

Bartke holds a master of science in biology degree and a doctoral degree in zoology. He has published numerous papers and books on genetics and reproduction. He also has won many awards including the Distinguished Service Award, American Society of Andrology; the Hartman Award, Society for the Study of Reproduction; and the Phi Kappa Phi National Scholar Award for 2001-2002.