Mutations in a single RNA gene increase lifespan

Researchers from the Institute of Biology of Aging named after. Max Planck in Cologne studied the effect of mutations in RNA on

life expectancy of worms. The study found that worms live longer when certain RNAs are processed differently during RNA maturation. Humans also have similar mutations.

Researchers have found a gene in wormscalled PUF60, which is involved in RNA splicing and regulates lifespan. Recall that splicing is the cutting out of individual nucleotide sequences from RNA molecules and the connection of sequences that remain in the “mature” molecule during the maturation of the RNA molecule.

A worm with marked mutations in the PUF60 gene. Image: Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging

Biologists have found that mutations in the PUF60 genecaused inaccurate splicing and retention in the molecule of introns (areas that do not code for protein and are usually excised during the growth and maturation of RNA). Such RNA forms smaller amounts of proteins corresponding to a given gene. At the same time, worms with the mutation lived much longer than “healthy” ones.

The genetic mutation had a particularly strong effect onproduction of proteins that are involved in the mTOR signaling pathway. It is an important sensor of food availability and serves as the control center for cellular metabolism. This mechanism has long attracted the attention of scientists working on the creation of anti-aging drugs.

The researchers note that individual mutations inthe PUF60 gene is also observed in humans. As a rule, with such a violation, patients have growth defects and impaired development of the nervous system. At the same time, scientists have shown that a decrease in PUF60 activity in an artificial environment from human cells leads to a decrease in the activity of the mTOR signaling pathway.

Scientists believe that further studies of this gene will help in the development of anti-aging therapy and the treatment of diseases in people with a natural malfunction of PUF60.

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On the cover: microscopic views of Protocodium surface (left) and internal structure (right). Image: Cedric Aria, University of Toronto