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
Canada to launch 'national action plan' to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Iran's president and foreign minister die in helicopter crash at moment of high tensions in Mideast
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country's foreign minister were found dead Monday hours after their helicopter crashed in fog, leaving the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East.
Jury finds Andrei Donet guilty of second-degree murder in stabbing death of Montreal teen
A jury has found a 21-year-old man guilty of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Montreal teenager Jannai Dopwell-Bailey outside his school in 2021.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Michael Cohen says he stole from Trump's company as defense presses key hush money trial witness
Former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen admitted Monday to jurors in the Republican's hush money trial that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from Trump's company as defence lawyers seized on the star witness' misdeeds to attack his credibility.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.
Investors watching posts from 'Crypto King' in the wake of fraud, money laundering charges
Former investors of the self-styled “Crypto King” say they are watching his social media accounts and worried his displays of wealth are signs he’s spending their money, even now, as another large expense tied to Aiden Pleterski has triggered a previously unreported lawsuit.