Biologists at UCLA discovered a gene dubbed "PGC-1." in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster. This gene is responsible for increasing the activity of mitochondria on a cellular level. The productivity of mitochondria decreases as the cells age. The decrease is either a cause of the aging of the cell or an effect, to say for sure is uncertain. By inserting this gene into a cell it was believed to increase the productivity of the mitochondria and also increase the longevity of the cell; thus prolonging the existence of the fly. In practice however this was not always the case.The gene was inserted into nerve cells, muscle cells, and other types; with no evidence to support the fly was aging slower. But, interestingly when the scientists inserted the gene into intestinal cells, the flies lived an estimated 50% longer then the control group of normal flies. This supports that the rate of aging of the cells in the intestines of the fly has a direct effect of the life of the fly. This sheds new light in regards to human heatlh. With some more experimentation and understanding; this genetic breakthrough could be transfered into the human genome.
I think that this discovery shows the potential benefits of genetics in today's medical field. While the treatment is not human viable yet, the concept holds great value in dimming down the effects of aging.
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It is amazing to think that maybe just maybe this could transfer over into humans... just shows how far science has come!
ReplyDeleteThe idea that this cell longevity gene could be incorporated into the human genome is astounding. I am curious as to how this change affects the telomeres of the mitochondria which I thought were responsible for the aging process due to their shortening over time.
ReplyDeleteI can see this be used for medical purposes to help patients, but what about personal uses to make a person live longer? Do you think it's ethical to allow someone to live longer for personal reasons?
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