In a recent study published by
eLife, researchers at the University of California San Diego reported a
correlation between CD33rSIGLEC gene copy number and maximum lifespan across 14
mammalian species. It was also found that mice lacking one CD33rSIGLEC gene
copy do not live as long as normal mice, have higher levels of reactive oxygen
species and experience more molecular damage. The CD33rSIGLEC genes encode
siglec receptors that bind sialic acids. The siglec receptors stick out on the outer
surface of immune cells, probing the surface of other cells in the body. When
sialic acids bind siglec receptors they transmit the message to the inside of
the cell and this signal relay puts a brake on immune cell activation. Through
this process the CD33rSIGLEC receptors help dampen chronic inflammation and
reactive oxygen species that are known to contribute to molecular damage and
aging. The higher CD33rSIGLEC gene number could be considered as an improved maintenance
system that co-evolved with mammals to buffer against the effects of infectious
episodes.
Although the reported results are
not definitive they are the first time lifespan has been correlated with a
single gene copy number. It seems a bit far-fetched that a single gene number
could influence the duration of lifespan but it is surely worth further
research. Humans vary in the number of CD33rSIGLEC gene copies and it would be
interesting to see if these genes influence human lifespan similarly to mice.
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