Longevity Insight via Gene Activation

Swiss scientists extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster (fruitfly), by activating a gene which destroys unhealthy cells.  Eduardo Moreno, from the University of Bern, and colleagues discovered that a gene, named ahuizotl (azot), selectively targets less healthy or less fit cells to protect the integrity and health of the organs like the brain or the gut.  Normally, there are two copies of this gene in each cell. By inserting a third copy, the researchers were able to select better cells more efficiently. As a result, the fruitflies appeared to maintain tissue health better, aged slower and had longer lifespans – 50 to 60% longer than normal counterparts. Writing that: “Lack of azot increases morphological malformations and susceptibility to random mutations and accelerates tissue degeneration,” the study authors report that: “On the contrary, improving the efficiency of cell selection is beneficial for tissue health and extends lifespan.”