The Science of Aging: New Map of the Genes That Cause Age

Scientists may have found the genes linked to a long life and aging. The researchers have discovered 238 genes that, when removed, increase the replicative lifespan of S. cerevisiae yeast cells.

"This study looks at aging in the context of the whole genome and gives us a more complete picture of what aging is," said Brian Kennedy, lead author of the new study, in a news release. "It also sets up a framework to define the entire network that influences aging in this organism."

In this latest study, the researchers examined 4,698 yeast strains, each with a single gene deletion. In order to find out which strains had increased lifespan, the researchers counted yeast cells, logging how many daughter cells a mother produced before it stopped dividing.

The researchers were able to find out a wealth of information about how different genes and their associated pathways modulate aging in yeast. Deleting a gene called LOS1 produced particularly interesting results. LOS1 helps relocate transfer RNA (tRNA), which bring amino acids to ribosomes to build proteins. It's also influenced by mTOR, a genetic master switch associated with caloric restriction and increased lifespan.

The research is only part of a larger process to map the relationships between all of the gene pathways that govern aging, illuminating the critical process in yeast, worms and mammals. Hopefully, these findings will eventually produce new therapies.

"Almost half of the genes we found that affect aging are conserved in mammals," said Kennedy. "In theory, any of these factors could be therapeutic targets to extend healthspan. What we have to do now is figure out which ones are amenable to targeting."

The findings are published in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Related Stories

Sexual Orientation is Genetic: New Algorithm Predicts the Orientation of Men

Genetics: Thinking You're Born Fat, Thin is Bad for Your Health

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).