Genes, Diet, and Aging

Dr. David A Sinclair’s lab at Harvard Medical School has been studying the aging process in various organisms. They’ve found some interesting clues as to how we can extend our lifespan.

From The Sinclair Lab,

Our research is devoted to understanding the key molecular events that cause organisms to grow old and die. We are studying aging in several model systems, including the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, the nematode C. elegans, and mammalian cell culture lines.

Recent findings include:

• The discovery of four genes related to the SIR2 gene which is thought to influence how mice, rats, worms, flies, and yeast live longer on low-calorie diets. Extreme calorie restriction has been shown to improve health and increase longevity. The more active the SIR2 gene is, the longer lifespan is increased.
• The yeast gene PNC1, dubbed the “master longevity regulator,” was shown to regulate the SIR2 family of genes. Similar to SIR2, the PNC1 gene is triggered by low salt, heat, or extreme calorie restriction. A human homologue of the PNC1 gene could be involved in diseases of aging, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
• Resveratrol, a compound found in peanuts, grape and red wine, was found to activate SIR2.

When I first heard about calorie restriction as a way to improve health and extend life, I was hardly excited. After all, most of us enjoy eating and I’m no exception. Peeking in on a few online forums of people eating next to no calories didn’t inspire me either. Almost all of them complained of being cold, tired, and obsessed by thoughts of food. And rabbits would probably turn up their noses at the kind of food these people allowed themselves to eat.

In Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, meals were turned into candy. The discovery of the SIR2 and PNC1 genes could lead to something similar – pharmaceuticals to stimulate these genes’ activity and prolong life. For our instant gratification society, no better solution could be found. That is, unless prolonged life doesn’t lead to better health and more life satisfaction.

~Medical News Today, July 29, 2005