Humans have searched for a “fountain of youth” since before the time of Ponce de León. Now scientists may be on track to find a so-called “longevity gene.” SIRT3, part of a class of proteins known as sirtuins, help stem cells cope with stress. A study in mice by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, points to potential for their findings to someday help scientists find targeted treatments for aging-related degenerative diseases. Researchers were able to turn back the molecular clock of older mice when their blood was infused with the proteins – triggering stem cell’s rejuvenating potential similar to that found in younger mice.
Get more resources to understand more about the “longevity gene” and how genetics affects healthy aging with these links in AHCJ’s Aging core topic area.
