A list of genes is obtained, the removal of which leads to a significant increase in the lifespan of yeast

The best result is a 60% increase in cell life.

After ten years of research that focused on aging, scientists got a list of 238 specific genes. Laboratory tests and experiments showed that their removal significantly prolongs the life of yeast cells. Depending on the circumstances and conditions, the experimental cells lived up to 60% longer.

If such a genetic intervention can be reproduced in humans, which is quite realistic - many of these genes are also present in more complex life forms than yeast - we can significantly increase the life expectancy of people by slowing down or completely shutting down some of the genetic aging processes in us.

“This study looks at aging processes in the context of the entire genome and gives us a better idea of ​​what aging is,” said Brian Kennedy, President and CEO of The Buck Institute for Research on Aging), as well as the lead author of the study. “The data obtained give us a basis for determining all the factors that generally affect the aging of the body.”

Together with researchers from the University of Washington, scientists from the Buck Institute studied the development of 4698 yeast strains, each of which had one of the genes removed. Scientists kept track of the number of cells in each case in order to track their lifespan and the final number of daughter cells after division.

“We had a special microscope with a needle, which we used to mark daughter cells after division and, ultimately, find out how many times the mother cell was divided,” Kennedy said. “We had several microscopes that worked around the clock.”

This process was very laborious, but it yielded results. Researchers have identified 238 genes that are responsible for aging yeast, when removed, the lifespan of the experimental material increased. A small number of genes directly affect aging itself, while 189 of 238 are responsible for processes that indirectly affect life expectancy. As a result, the data obtained give a fairly complete picture of how this process proceeds in yeast in aggregate.

“Nearly half of the genes we discovered are also present in mammals, including humans,” Kennedy said. “In theory, any of them can be the goal of a therapeutic effect to increase life expectancy and maintain health. Now we must find out which of these genes can be affected. ” In theory, there are many ways to combat human aging, but it is necessary to find out exactly which human genes lend themselves to the necessary changes.

Removal of certain yeast genes yielded stunning results. For example, the researchers found that removing the LOS1 yeast gene extends their life by 60%. The LOS1 gene is involved in the process of protein synthesis, and is also associated with other genes that are responsible for controlling DNA damage and limiting calories consumed by the cell.

Via sciencealert.com