Brunet's lab works on discovering lifespan-regulating genes and their interactions with the environment. Next, she studies how conserved 'pro-longevity genes' (e.g. FOXO transcription factors) regulate longevity in mammals, the regenerative potential of stem cells, and the nervous system. She uses mammalian tissue culture and C. elegans as model systems to study longevity pathways, dietary restriction, and epigenetic (chromatin-state) regulation of longevity by the environment. In addition, she is developing the extremely short-lived African killifish N. furzeri as a new vertebrate model for aging.