A groundbreaking discovery by scientists from Zhejiang University and the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified a gene that holds promise for both enhancing human longevity and managing pest populations.
The research focused on mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, which are crucial for energy production and closely linked to the aging process. While much of the previous research has concentrated on optimizing mitochondrial function to extend lifespan, this new study sheds light on the role of the cell nuclei in aging.
By analyzing the evolutionary changes in mitochondrial and nuclear genomes from 472 insects, the researchers identified 75 nuclear genes that co-evolve with mitochondrial genes. Among these, four genes, including CG11837, were selected for further experimentation in fruit flies.
The results were compelling. Reducing the activity of these genes led to significant alterations in mitochondrial structure and a noticeable shortening of the flies' lifespans by 25 to 59 percent. Conversely, overexpressing the CG11837 gene extended the median lifespans of the fruit flies.
Furthermore, in vitro studies using human cells demonstrated that activating the CG11837 gene enhanced their ability to combat aging by 30 percent. These findings suggest that activating CG11837 could be a novel strategy for extending human lifespan. Additionally, the ability to suppress this gene offers a potential new method for pest control, presenting a dual benefit for both human health and agricultural management.
Published this week in Nature Aging, the study opens new avenues for research into aging and sustainable pest management, highlighting the intricate relationship between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.
Reference(s):
Scientists identify new gene that may resist aging, kill pests
cgtn.com
