Lifespan extending gene identified
The gene that has been linked to the ageing in mammals might extend the life of
humans, said Taiwan researchers.
Cisd2 gene was found accidentally by the scientists in Taiwan National Yang-Ming University during their search for a gene linked to liver cancer in mice. This has been reported by the Taipei Times last Saturday.
The matter came to the notice of the researchers, when they found premature ageing of a eight week old mouse with deprived Cisd2 gene. The symptoms of premature ageing were; grey hair, loss of weight, and lessening of muscle and bone mass. Tsai Ting-fen, the research head of the group consisting of 12 members, also said that the mouse in question had reduced its life by half the normal two year life span of mouse. The research is carried out in the Mouse Genetics Laboratory, a part of the University’s Genome Sciences.
Their focus is now on the revitalization of Cisd2 gene, and search is on to find out whether diet rich antioxidants can serve the purpose, Tsai informed.
Her statement given in this regard is simple but meaningful that says, “It could never be wrong to include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet.”
The outcome of their study was published in the May edition of the journal Genes and Development.