Extend your life twice? Ask drosophila how!
Fruit flies may be hiding the secret of longevityDmitry Safin, Compulenta
The scientist continued his research in the chosen direction, hoping to identify the mechanism of action of the mutation mentioned, and his perseverance was rewarded. In the course of monitoring the gene expression levels of conventional and modified flies, Professor Helfand's group managed to find out that in drosophila centenarians, some genes responsible for the production of energy necessary to maintain the vital activity of cells show significantly less activity. This naturally reduces the concentration of free radicals and reduces their destructive effect on the body.
Another thing is surprising: the mutation does not change the value of the total energy contained inside the cells. Genetic intervention, therefore, has practically no effect on the existence of drosophila.
A detailed description of the results of the study (Long-lived Indy induces reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and oxidative damage) is available on the website of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Prepared based on the materials of Science Daily.Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru