Many Genes Contribute to Longevity

A recent study describes the genetic activity responsible for longevity in the roundworm C elegans. Since many of these genes are also active in humans, the research has potential applications to human aging.

Investigators at the University of California, San Francisco (USA; www.ucsf.edu), used DNA microarray analysis to show that the DAF-16 gene regulated expression of a number of genes during early adulthood, the time at which this pathway is known to control aging. The activity of DAF-16 was itself influenced by insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) signaling.

The result of this gene activity was an increase in the production of proteins that protected the animal from microbial attack or metabolic injury and a reduction in the production of proteins that would have shortened the worm's life span. These findings were published June 29, 2003, in the online edition of Nature.

Senior author Dr. Cynthia Kenyon, professor of biochemistry at UC San Francisco, explained, "The marvelous thing about this new study is that it provides an explanation not only for the remarkable longevity of these animals, but also for their ability to stay healthy so long. They just turn up the expression of many, many different genes, each of which helps out in its own way. The consequences are stunning, and if we can figure out a way to copy these effects in humans, we might all be able to live very healthy long lives.”



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