Gene to slow down ageing identified
POSTED May 26, 2009 - 14:42 | POSTED BY Cynthia Dunn
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on May 26, 2009 - 15:53
The researchers found that the mutation in a single gene, insulin and growth factor (Igf1), was able to extend the lifespan in animals- nematode worm, mice and fruit flies, and it also slowed occurrence of age-related diseases. This gene is known to perform the same role in humans.
A wealth of possibilities
It is a new ray of hope for people suffering with age-related disorders ranging from cardiovascular diseases to the Alzheimer`s disease.
According to Prof Linda Partidge, director of the Institute of Healthy Ageing at the University College London, the finding will lead to the development of new drugs to help heal many age related problems, especially in the elderly.
She said, "The major burden of ill health is in the older section of the population.”
Detailing about the discovered gene, she said that the “pathways” through which nutrients are processed in the human body also offer possibility to manipulate lifespan.
She added, "The new discoveries about ageing have raised the prospect of increasing the number of years that people enjoy in good health, with broad-spectrum preventative medicines for the diseases of ageing.”
Prof Partridge will give lecture on the biological sciences at the Royal Society.
Prof Patridge is a Croonan prize winner. The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology recently named her the Women of Outstanding Achievment, 2009.
