If aging is a genetically determined process, its solution too lies within the genes itself, says new finding. Scientists have discovered that the mysteries of aging and longevity lie in about 15 genes, which they identified in two separate organisms.
This finding could be a real breakthrough in the ongoing research process to combat aging, aging-related health problems and also in the development of anti-ageing pills.
For about 25 genes that held the key factors of life span were identified in yeast and roundworm by the scientists at the University of Washington. They further claimed that at least 15 genes among them are likely to have similar versions in humans too.
The fact that these two organisms are separated by about 1.5 billion years in the evolutionary scale makes the finding more significant.
Dr Brian Kennedy, one of the researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle, US, said: 'Now that we know what many of these genes actually are, we have potential targets to go after in humans.
'We hope that in the future we could affect those targets and improve not just lifespan, but also the 'health span' or the period of a person's life when they can be healthy and not suffer from age-related illnesses.'
Studies also pointed out the evidence for the influence upon genes by the specialized signaling pathways of the nutrients known as TOR activity. This further substantiated the early findings that controlling the calorie intake through proper diet regulation will help in prolonging the life span.
If scientists could succeed in developing a drug that could mimic the effects of dietary restrictions, it would benefit millions of people world wide, who are concerned about growing older and in constant search for anti-aging solutions.
Source-Medindia
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