Gene found to cause premature skin aging

SINGAPORE, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- An international team of scientists led by Singaporean researchers say they've found a mutation of a specific gene causes premature skin aging.

They said their findings not only suggest increasing levels of the protein produced by the mutations of the PYCR1 gene could reverse conditions that cause fast aging and wrinkly skin, but also provide insight into how some unexpected genes help maintain youthful skin.

Bruno Reversade of Singapore's Institute of Medical Biology led the international research team that involved collaborations with more than 15 hospitals and research centers in 13 nations.

Using bioinformatics tools, Reversade and his team said they analyzed DNA samples collected worldwide from patients who, at a young age, displayed signs of premature aging. They identified the gene on chromosome 17 of those patients to be defective and found specific mutations in the gene that led to conditions often seen in elderly people, such as loose skin, loss of bone density, hip dislocation and cataract.

"We are excited by these findings of Bruno and colleagues, which open up new possibilities in the field of aging and skin research," said Birgit Lane, executive director of IMB. "The study is a great example of scientific synergy -- when clinicians and scientists from around the world come together to share their specialist skills and knowledge, they can discover new insights into complex medical conditions."

The findings are reported in the journal Nature Genetics.