Identification of Genes Responsible for Aging

Scientists have successfully identified genes responsible for aging and longevity. Concurrently with the approval of a 'anti-aging' drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Swiss scientists have identified the genes that cause physical aging. According to Science Alert, a group of Swiss scientists has identified the genes responsible for aging by examining over forty thousand genes from three different living organisms. Researchers at the University of Zurich found that when these genes are manipulated, the healthy lifespan of these laboratory animals increases, suggesting that it may be possible to test this issue on humans as well. This research began with a study of a set of forty thousand shared genes among a type of earthworm, a type of fish, and a mouse. To determine the effect of each of these genes on the aging process, their activity was examined at three time intervals: youth, adulthood, and old age of these animals. In the next step, 30 genes from this collection of forty thousand were identified as being directly related to the aging process. An important discovery at this stage indicated that these 30 genes are very similar and actually all stem from a single gene that originated in the common ancestors of these three organisms. These 30 genes are also found in the human body. Michael Risto, the head of this research, told Medical Express: 'We only examined genes that have been preserved throughout evolution and are therefore found today in the bodies of living beings, including humans.' To test the effect of these genes on the age of these organisms, researchers manipulated the RNA of these animals. By manipulating less than half of these genes, the lifespan of all three organisms increased by five percent without compromising their health. However, among these 30 genes, one named bcat-1 has an extraordinary impact on the aging process. Dr. Risto states that when the RNA related to this gene was manipulated, the lifespan of the animals increased by 25 percent. This research team believes that the bcat-1 gene carries enzymes that break down amino acid chains in the body. Three types of these amino acids, which are broken down by the bcat-1 gene, are among the nine amino acids that are vital for maintaining health and muscle growth. Although it is still unclear whether the results of this research can be applied to humans, the main question for scientists in the field of aging is not about increasing human lifespan but rather finding a way for humans to remain physically healthier throughout their natural lifespan. The results of this research have been published in the journal 'Nature Communications.'