IGF-1 Fails for Vertebrates

It was original thought by scientists that lacking a copy of a gene called IGF-1 receptor was beneficial to an organism. In past studies it was found that invertebrates lacking this receptor showed longer lifespans. IGF-1 is an important hormone in signaling insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar. Now there is a new study from the University of Texas that says the opposite. The study showed that knocking out a missing copy failed to increase the lifespan of male mice, and it only modestly increased the lifespan of female litter-mates. The study concludes by saying that the IGF-1 receptor plays different roles in vertebrates and invertebrates life spans. This is another stepping stone in humanity's search for a longer life span. We are living longer then ever due to the advances of medical technology and it is interesting to see how genetics will play a role in our future.