Longevity, aging and comparative cellular and molecular biology of the house mouse, Mus musculus, and the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus.

A comparative research program was developed to identify the genetically controlled mechanisms responsible for the phylogenetic differences in mammalian longevity. Well defined pairs of species were chosen that were closely related taxonomically, yet differed significantly in longevity. Comparisons were made of the survival characteristics and tumor pathology of Mus musculus and Peromyscus Leucopus. The model of these two mammals include anatomic and physiologic characterization, and cellular and molecular considerations.