University College London Study
/London researchers show genes play a role in human aging
New study is first to show link between genes that impact cells and longer human life
A study by University College London scientists has, for the first time, found a link between genes that regulate our cells and the human lifespan.
The genes were previously found to extend lifespan in small organisms, such as fruit flies. This is the first time that scientists demonstrated a link in people.
Genes produce proteins that control cell function, but their ability to produce those proteins declines with age, reducing the efficiency of cells to repair or replace tissue.
The researchers reviewed genetic data from studies involving more than 11,000 people who had lived unusually long lives. They found evidence that the genes' effects were linked to their expression of proteins in specific organs, but also found that the effect on longevity went beyond just associations with any specific age-related diseases.
The findings corroborate the work being done by Turn Biotechnologies, one of the companies in which Methuselah Foundation has invested. Turn uses an mRNA cocktail to reprogram the epigenome, which controls cell functions, by influencing the activity of different genes. The company’s mission is to restore capabilities that are often lost with age.
Youthful genes can protect the body by fighting off disease and repairing damaged tissue. That is one reason why the risk of cancer rises significantly as people age. Restoring the efficacy of cells to a more youthful state enables them to protect the body against disease and repair damage that occurs as the human body ages.
Turn’s efforts offer great promise to millions of people around the world who suffer from chronic and age-related diseases for which no real cure exists.
The findings of University College London researchers provide more evidence that Methuselah Foundation’s multi-strategy approach to extending a healthy lifespan makes sense. We believe that efforts to reactivate the body at a cellular level offer enormous promise. But we also know that this work must be balanced with other things.
To learn more about our seven strategies, click here, then click on each strategy for details.