Through the thorough examination of 40,000 genes from three different organisms, researchers from ETH Zurich have discovered genes that are involved in physical aging. In their study, they outline the finding that influencing just one of these genes extends the life of laboratory animals, and they hope that these findings will translate in human studies as well.
After sifting through thousands of genes, the researchers discovered that approximately 1 percent of the genes belonging to the C. elegans nematode could influence life expectancy and that these genes are found in humans as well.
Gene detection was accomplished by examining 40,000 genes in three organisms: the C. elegans nematode, mice and zebra fish. Through genetic screening, the scientists discovered genes that were regulated in the same manner in all three organisms at all stages of their life - young, mature and old.
Following the identification of the genes tied to life expectancy, the study moved on to experiments that blocked the mRNA of the corresponding genes and examined their effects on aging. The researchers found that in dozens of the genes, blocking them had the effect of extending lifespan by at least 5 percent. In particular, the bcat-1 gene was found to be particularly important.
"When we blocked the effect of this gene, it significantly extended the mean lifespan of the nematode by up to 25 percent," Michael Ristow, coordinating author of the study, said in a press release.
Although many will likely jump to the conclusion of using these findings to help people live to higher ages, Ristow says that is not the goal of the research.
"The point is not for people to grow even older, but rather to stay healthy for longer," he said.
Follow-up studies are already being planned and hope to uncover indicators of the aging process and determine how this information can be used to help modify the progression of age-related diseases.
