Researchers discover genes in worms that could slow aging in humans
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have identified two genes in worms that could be the secret to slowing aging in humans.
The results have been published in the Aging Cell journal.
Senior author Michael Wu told CTV News they used a type of worm called the C. elegans, and it took about three years to complete the study.
“We were able to identify two specific genes that in worms at least if you turn them off, can cause premature aging. What's interesting about these two genes is that in humans we also have the two genes,” Wu said.
Wu said that the DNA information of the worms was 40 per cent similar to that in humans.
“Now that we've identified our genes of interest, we are more interested in understanding how can we alter the activity of these genes. The first approach is to look for a pharmacological intervention,” Wu said. “So drug compounds or natural compounds that can potentially exert or influence the activity of these genes.”
He said the next step was to run tests on animals.
“Our long-term goal is to hopefully translate this into higher animals first, that are closer to humans, say mice or rats or even human cell lines to see that can we get a similar type of responses in the drug molecules. If we can do that, then we can sort of think about ways that we can translate these into humans,” he explained.
However, that could take a long time to complete due to the lifespan of rats or mice, Wu said.
“These rodents can live anywhere between two to five years. So if you're trying to follow how these molecules may influence aging in a mammalian model, this can take two to five years just to collect a single data.”
Wu said it could take at least a decade to complete the research.
“Age is sort of the number one risk factor in the development of all the chronic diseases that sort of plague society. Our approach is that to begin understanding what causes these age-related diseases, we really need to take a step back into understanding what drives aging.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life
The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s two children in jury decision
Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
China lands spacecraft on the moon amid growing space rivalry with U.S.
A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.
Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.