CGC Bibliography Paper 5715
Genetics and the specificity of the aging process.
Hekimi S,
Guarente L
- Medline:
- 12610295
- Citation:
- Science 299: 1351-1354 2003
- Type:
- REVIEW
- Genes:
- clk-1 ctb-1 daf-2 daf-12 isp-1 sir-2.1
- Abstract:
- The identification and study of long-lived mutant animals has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms that limit the life-span of organisms. Findings with the gene SIR2 suggest that the rate of aging can be regulated under certain conditions. Indeed, increased expression of SIR2 lengthens life-span by acting on biological processes that promote survival under conditions of scarcity. In addition, studies of mutant strains of Caenorhabditis elegans, in particular daf-2, clk-1, and isp-1 mutants, suggest that the biology of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria and elsewhere might be the main determinant of life-span in this organism. Thus, the aging process may be more specific than previously anticipated on evolutionary grounds.