A Tenfold Increasing of Lifes Expectancy in the Future
U.S. biologists have discovered in the DNA regions of genes responsible for the mechanisms of aging.
Aging is nothing like a genetic mechanism that allows a young and progressive Organisms “stand up” with limited resources, the territory of life and resources. This conclusion experts of the University of Southern California. American biologists in experiments on yeast cells have identified several genes responsible for aging and death. Their removal allowed to extend the life of organisms in ten times. Similar technology has already run-in and on animals, including mammals. Thus, the researchers managed to significantly increase the lifespan of mice. The climax of his work as biologists see the development of technologies that enable a tenfold extend the life of man.
Work on the detection of DNA related to biological programming period of life, began at the University of Southern California immediately after loud voices of the international group of scientists on the interpretation of genotype rights. Meanwhile, the study proceeded with difficulty. First, employees were able to identify genes RAS2 and SCH9, partly affecting the human predisposition to cancer. However, to find mechanisms to stop them without negative consequences for the organism to develop and failed. To achieve success biologists have switched to a lower organisms such as yeast cells. According to the scientists, they were able to find similar genes in yeast, and even more, the transplant of human and SCH9 RAS2 in yeast DNA to genotype continued to operate. Over time, experiments have revealed new genes, whose task it is partially regulate longevity.
“We learned how to turn off these portions of genes and thus made good progress, – says the lead researcher Valter Longo. – Yeast transformed with the genotype, coupled with low-calorie diet lived ten times longer, that is almost ten weeks, although the common yeast, used by bakers, live only seven days. ”
Of course, yeast – this is not a man, but the discovery has given hope for a positive result in the human genotype. Moreover, a tenfold increase in life previously thought impossible in principle, because it was argued that every organism has its upper limit of life, followed by the imminent death due to natural wear and tear of tissues. The work of researchers led by Longo refute this hypothesis.
“Now there are two biological theories of aging, – says RBC daily head of the laboratory evolution of eukaryotic genomes of the Institute of Molecular Biology, Doctor of Biological Sciences Dmitry Kramer. – The essence of that one recognizes the existence in the genome program, including the mechanisms of aging, and the other – on the contrary, no. Each of these theories has its supporters and opponents, including in Russia. For example, Academician Vladimir Skulachev actively supports the existence of such mechanisms. If this is really so, then intervention in the genome will increase the life expectancy many times. But other scientists are skeptical about such claims. In my opinion, yet there is no such program. And life expectancy is due to evolutionary criteria.
Their essence is that the process of evolution in populations of living beings formed the need for disengagement. At a time when the seed gets to his feet, the parents “go”, allowing new and special use area and livelihood. Consequently, the timing of life invariably reduced. Over time, this feature of “prescribed” in the genotype, and some of the mechanisms controlling the activities of cells weakened.
“If by some manipulation to enhance the special mechanisms to protect and repair cells, as well as the quality of their functioning, the life expectancy can be increased – says RBC daily the team leader of the molecular basis of cell therapy of the Institute of Molecular Biology, Doctor of Biological Sciences Egor Egorov. – For example, using transformations of DNA has been obtained in mice that live longer and better, which is less sick. But endlessly to make it almost impossible. The fact that the body is the fabric, which are not recoverable in principle. First and foremost is the brain. No matter how updated the body, he will still eventually die. Therefore, the maximum you can increase a person’s life “only” up to 200-300 years. ”
However, researchers at the University of Southern California feel differently. They claimed that in the genotype, there are specific genes, including the mechanisms of aging, which kill the body, to open the way for new generations. Some of these genes is found, and if you disable aging program, for which they are responsible, the body, including the brain, aging will not. In this case, the human lifespan can be increased up to 800 years. However, it is very difficult. Because the number of detected genes have other functions that affect the development of the organism. If they are removed prior to conception, the new body simply will not develop. Therefore, researchers are looking for opportunities off aging genes already an adult at the time of the peak of his mental and physical development. And to achieve this goal may require more than one decade.