Aging and longevity genes: strategies for identifying DNA sequences controlling life span
Article Abstract:
In October 1989, EURAGE, the European Community's concerted action on aging and diseases, held a workshop on the molecular mechanisms of aging. It is believed that genes (which are comprised of DNA sequences and direct protein synthesis) affect aging and longevity in ways that are not yet understood. In the past decade, advances in biotechnology made it possible to perform DNA analysis much more easily, and facilitated progress in unravelling the aging process. Determining the reasons for the differences in life spans among species may enhance the identification of genes that are actually involved in aging. Aging might occur as a consequence of different gene activities, and may involve aging genes specific for an active aging process; deleterious genes that accumulate during life, eventually causing adverse effects; pleiotropic genes that may confer a short-term benefit, but a long-term risk; and longevity genes associated with a beneficial effect of a longer life span. Lower organisms, such as fungi, yeast, and fruit flies, have provided much information on the aging process. Another major research effort has involved the identification of candidate genes involved in intrinsic aging processes. These genes might affect the structural integrity or function of macromolecular structures, such as chromatin (which contains DNA, enzymes, and other components of protein synthesis) and membranes (which surround all cells and must be intact to protect the cell). Genetic studies of age-related pathology, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's type dementia, may also provide rewarding results. The effects of genes possibly involved with aging may be investigated by injecting them into mice; the technical difficulties of such experiments are discussed. Much research is needed before the regulation of longevity and aging can be understood, and the EURAGE workshop provided a clear rationale for future studies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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DNA repair in congenic mice: possible influence of a chromosome 4 genetic region on the rate of benzo(a)pyrene-induced DNA adduct removal
Article Abstract:
The extent of DNA repair was evaluated by measuring the removal of bezo(a)pyrene-induced DNA adducts in liver DNA of two parental strains, C57B1/6 and BALB/c, and three different chromosome 4 congenic mouse strains between one and three days after treatment.The removal of the main adduct in the two parental strains was at 86% for the C57B1/6 and 57% for the BALB/c, which was similar with the results in two of the congenic mouse strains, B6.C-H-16(sup c) and B6.C-H-26 (sup c). Removal forthe third mouse strain, B6,C-H-15 (sup c) was approximately 88%.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1993
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Transcriptional control and RNA processing
Article Abstract:
The altered gene regulatory processes in senescence include loss of ability to proliferate and attenuation in the regulation of the heat shock gene. The impaired transcription in senescent cells was observed in both old animals and cells aged in culture. This involves variable expression of genes for transcription factors. Other transcription factors are translocated to the nucleus when needed whereas others are activated by damaging agents.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1992
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