Extend your life twice? Ask drosophila how!

Fruit flies may be hiding the secret of longevityDmitry Safin, Compulenta

In 2000, Professor Stephen Helfand from Brown University (USA) managed to make a unique discovery: he discovered a mutation of the Indy gene (I'm Not Dead Yet, "I'm not dead yet"), which doubled the life expectancy of drosophila, from 35 to 70 days.

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.

 The researchers do not intend to stop there. "It is necessary to understand how ... this mutation affects the level of metabolism of the fly; then it will be possible to create pharmacological drugs that will copy the effects of genetic changes," Mr. Helfand sets guidelines.

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

26.01.2009