The genes that could one day increase lifespan in humans

     After ten years of research by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and the University of Washington has identified 238 genes that increase the replicative lifespan of S. cerevisiae yeast cells when removed.  This was the first time 189 of these genes were linked to aging.  The results found could provide new genomic target that could improve human health.

     Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, PhD from the Department of Pathology at the University of Washington and his team began the painstaking process of counting and examining 4700 yeast strains of yeast each with a single gene deletion.  Each strain had the daughter cell and mother cells separated and count to see how many times the mother cell divided. 

     The effort produced the information about how different genes and their pathways modulate aging in yeast. The deletion of gene LOS1, which helps relocate transfer RNA that brings amino acid to ribosomes to build proteins, produced huge results. LOS1 is influenced by a master switch the is associated with caloric restriction and increase lifespan, mTOR; also LOS1 influences another gene Gcn4 that helps govern DNA damage control.
     This research is only part of the process to map the relationship between the gene pathways that govern aging.  A number of these age-extending genes are found in roundworms and humans alike so the deletion of these genes could also prolong the lives of human eventually.  The researchers hope that this research will produce new therapies.
    "Almost half of the genes we found that affect aging are conserved in mammals," said Dr. Kennedy. "In theory, any of these factors could be therapeutic targets to extend healthspan. What we have to do now is figure which ones are amenable to targeting."(1)
      I am a little afraid of this to come true.  I couldn't think about what would happen if more humans were able to extend their lives.  How many people would like to extend their lifespan if they had any of disease or a disability that would affect how they live. Imagine if you were able to live to be over 100 but you happened to lose the use of your legs at later in your life; would you want to live longer if your quality of life starts to decline.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151008142230.htm
http://www.buckinstitute.org/

1. Buck Institute for Research on Aging. "Mapping the genes that increase lifespan: Comprehensive study finds 238 genes that affect aging in yeast cells." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 8 October 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151008142230.htm>.