Advertisement

Genes found that control worm's life span

SAN FRANCISCO, July 25 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of California have discovered 23 genes that influence the length of life of a small worm.

A team headed by Cynthia Kenyon of UC San Francisco studied the genome Caenorhabditis elegans, which is used as a model in genetics studies. They found that worms had a longer life span when the action of any of the genes was suppressed.

Advertisement

The genes were involved in a number of processes, including insulin signaling, metabolism and dietary regulation. In some cases, suppressing gene action doubled worms' life spans.

Kenyon said that genes involved in insulin signaling are especially interesting because studying how they work could lead to treatments for diabetes and cancer.

The research was published in the inaugural edition of the open access journal PLoS Genetics.

Latest Headlines