The angiotensin-renin system plays a role in several key physiological functions including maintenance of blood pressure.  The effect is mediated by a cell surface receptor called the angiotensin receptor. Studies in mice have shown that disruption of the analogous human receptor in mice extends lifespan. In the current study, the authors hypothesized that certain variants of this receptor called [...]

The function and fate of our cells are in large part under the control of our genes.  As we being to unravel the effects of various genes on the process of longevity it becomes very important to develop way to control them. For example some genes may allow for longer lifespans.  If an individual possesses a version of that gene which is linked to shorter lifespans, it would be useful to manipulate [...]

Mutations in genes that code for nuclear laminar proteins are known to cause diseases of accelerated aging.  One such disease called Hutchinson-Gilford progeria affected children rapidly become elderly in childhood usually dying by age 13. The nuclear lamina is the envelope that surrounds and protects the cell’s DNA. It is crucial to prevent damage to DNA. Damaged DNA leads to cell dysfunction [...]

Human cells are fantastically complex entities.  Microscopic factories they contain 20,000 or so separate proteins that interact with each other in many ways.  The instructions to build these proteins are encoded in 3 billion base pairs of DNA on 46 tightly wound and compressed chromosomes. As the cells live metabolize and age, proteins are constantly being made, interacting with each other and [...]

There have been several reports in recent years and in increasing number revealing that certain gene variants are associated with extreme longevity. Each of these variants contributes a small increase in the odds the carrier will live to 100. Having one such variant however on its own is not likely to make or break these odds. In reality the genetic component contributes at best about 30% of the [...]

There is good evidence extreme human longevity is at least in part attributable to genetic variation.  Most estimate the role of genetics is about 25-30%.  Lifestyle likely accounts for more than 50% and chance the remaining 20-25%. Now that genome wide analysis (GWAS) is becoming easier and cheaper the search for longevity genes is well underway. A recent review notes “some genes will likely [...]

DNA encodes the genes through which organisms live. DNA can be altered by a process called methylation which chemical tags are placed on the DNA. This is a method by which gene transcription can be controlled and modified, and is known as epigenetic. A group of researchers performed a study to particularly looking at how DNA methylation changes with age and which genes in are involved. They wanted [...]

Cellular replicative senescence is the name given for when a cell is no longer capable of dividing and renewing its native tissue. Senescent cells are clearly linked to aging, and removal of them seems to reduce aging in tissues. If it were possible to stop senescence it could be possible to stop aging. In the present study, scientists sought to determine which specific factors inside a cell lead [...]

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid found in the bloodstream.  In addition to serving its role as an amino acid building block for protein synthesis, it serves other crucial roles in cells. Though not essential, many cells cannot survive in its absence.  Need for it increases in stress, and it regulates cell differentiation and survival.  Glutamine is also important in brain cell health [...]

Scientists have reported interesting new findings on the tumor suppressor gene Pten.  Pten is a member of a group of three other important tumor suppressors; p53, Ink4a, and arf. When this gene becomes absent or defective the cell harboring that mutation can be come cancerous.  Pten mutation are in fact frequently found in cancers. Scientists decided to see if adding an extra copy of the gene [...]