Bioengineers at the University of California, San Diego have modified the genetic circuitry that...
In previous studies, scientists have found thatcells follow a cascade of molecular changes throughout their lives until they eventually degenerate and die. At the same time, genetically identical cells in the same environment can move in different ways of aging. About half of the cells age due to a gradual decrease in DNA stability, the other half due to the degradation of mitochondria, “cellular power plants”.
The traditional "scheme" of aging works likea toggle switch that triggers one of two processes, the scientists explain. They used genetic editing to create a negative feedback loop. The rebuilt circuit works like a clockwork - an oscillator that makes periodic switching. It causes the cell to periodically switch between two harmful "old" states, avoiding a long stay in one of them and thereby slowing down the degeneration of the cell.
The researchers tested their method onyeast cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The analysis showed that genetic modification under the control of the "oscillator" increased the lifespan of cells by 82%.
Our oscillatory cells live longer than any of the longest-lived strains previously identified by objective genetic screening.
Nan Hao, study co-author
The results of the study may lay the foundation fordevelopment of synthetic gene circuits to effectively increase the lifespan of more complex organisms, scientists say. They are working on the study of the mechanisms of aging of various human cells, including stem and nerve cells.
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