New Bunch of Genes Related to Aging Revealed

New Bunch of Genes Related to Aging Revealed Since ancient times, human being has never stopped the pursuit of immortality. Now scientists are gradually unveiling the secrets of aging, trying to find clues to aging and agingrelated diseases treatment at the molecular level.

Trough a decade of efforts, scientists in Buck Institute and the University of Washington eventually identified 238 genes related to aging. The study has shown that removal of these genes can extend replicative life span of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Related papers were published in Cell Metabolism on October 8, 2015.

“Studying aging on the whole genome level can grant us a more comprehensive understanding of the aging process and the network the has a play on aging.” Brian Kennedy, one of the study’s leader said. This study has provided people with a new set of genomic targets, which might help improve people’s health and lengthen longevity.

Cooperating with professor Matt Kaeberlein in Washington University, Kennedy detected 4,698 single-gene deleted yeast strains. By observing how much offspring the yeast produced before they stop dividing, they calculated the replicative life span of yeast strains.

Thus, the researchers obtained a lot of information, especially the effects of different genes and their related pathways for aging. Among these genes, the removal of LOS1 has particularly significant role in longevity. LOS1 is involved in mobilization of tRNA in cells, while tRNA is responsible for carrying amino acids to ribosome for protein synthesis.

The study has shown that the inhibition of mTOR can make the nucleus discharge Los1, while the removal of LOS1 can activate Gcn4. It is known that mTOR is an important switch related to caloric restriction and life span and Gcn4 is involved in DNA damage response.

“People have long known that calorie restriction can extend lifespan.” said Dr. Kennedy. “DNA damage response is also considered to be associated with aging. Our research shows that those different processes are associated with LOS1.”

The researchers noted that many of the aging gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae also present in C. elegans and humans, indicating that the relevant mechanisms are still conservative in higher organisms. “About half of the genes we identified exist in mammals.”

Dr. Kennedy commented. “In theory, manipulating these factors can play a life-span prolonging effect. What we need to do now is to figure out which genes are more fit to be the target.”