Could There be a "Fountain of Youth" Gene?

Hinco Gierman and his team from the Stanford University Departments of Developmental Biology and Genetics sequenced the genomes of 17 individuals over the age of 110 years old, or "supercentarians." Researchers only analyzed 13 of these genomes limited to Caucasian females to eliminate major variations between the genomes studied. Looking for a "protein-altering variant," researchers found it in the TSHZ3 gene.

By studying the genomes of these 13 supercentarians along with genomes of younger people as the control, the team at Stanford found that the TSHZ3 transcription-factor gene was found most frequently in the genomes of the supercentarians. Researchers also studied 99 genomes of individuals ranging from 98-105 years of age and found similar results.

Although much more research is to be done, I am interested to see how researchers use their current and upcoming knowledge to use this "Fountain of Youth" gene to potentially help fight illnesses and improve the quality of life for people who reach such an old age.

Original Article: http://news.discovery.com/human/genetics/worlds-oldest-people-are-genetically-superior-141112.htm

Related Article: http://news.discovery.com/human/health/activating-gene-could-delay-aging-through-body-140911.htm

Young, Wild, and Free: Fountain of Youth Gene

Why do animals recover faster at younger ages—compared to older and mature animals? This phenomenon has boggled the minds of genetic scientists for decades; however, recent studies from Harvard Medical School and Boston’s Children Hospital have shown a possible connection to this phenomenon. Scientists have discovered that the gene Lin28a—which are activated during embryonic stages, but is staggered as the animal matures. To test these effects, the research teams shaved fur from their mice and activated these genes in one, while leaving the latter as the control. The results showed that their mice, with the activation of Lin28a, fur grew back significantly faster than the other. The scientists concluded that the gene Lin28a activates production of metabolic enzymes—which in turn increases regeneration rate, and efficiency. This breakthrough in genetics could lead to many medical possibilities. For example, patients could use this enhancement after surgery to increase healing. Also, this gene could also have the keys to understanding genetic aging in cells. 

This new discovery of the gene Lin28a, allows for many advance in genetics. Imagine the regrowth of loss hair, tissues, and maybe even muscles. I think this gene could revolutionized the world in terms of healing and regeneration.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/fountain-of-youth-scientists-discover-why-wounds-heal-quicker-for-young-people-8927387.html

http://www.nature.com/news/fountain-of-youth-gene-unleashes-healing-power-1.14128