Studies indicate SIR2 gene plays a role in extending lifespan.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and UC Davis led by molecular biologist David Sinclair, director of the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research, have detected a whole family of SIR2 genes that are involved in controlling lifespan. The findings are reported in the July 28 advance online edition of Science magazine.

Control the Aging Process?

According to Sinclair, "There is a growing realization from the aging field that we might finally understand how to control certain aspects of the aging process and one day have drugs that can fight some of the disabilities the process causes."

Sinclair's research group previously reported a link between environmental stress and longer life. In studies performed on yeast cultures, stresses such as salt deficiency, heat or extreme calorie restriction somehow caused them to live longer.

Gene Extends Lifespan

It is thought that stress triggers the SIR2 gene to become active, which in turn results in an extended lifespan. Recent studies indicate a similar process might protect humans against maladies of aging, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

This groundbreaking work suggests potential building blocks for scientists to develop drugs that can prevent aging-related diseases and lengthen lifespan.