Scientists at the Albert Einstein College of
Medicine of Yeshiva University have found that some gene mutations
directly affect the life longevity of one person.
The specific gene mentioned is the one governing cell-signal
pathway. The researchers took the Eastern-European Jews or who are
known as Ashkenazi
Jews as their test population.
The total number of participants in the study reached 450 and have
ages between 95 and 110. The same group was key to finding the
first two "longevity genes" back in 2003.
Ashkenazi Jews are perfect for the study as they are descendants of
a small group of people. Their genetic makeup are pretty much
uniform and any deviations can easily be noticed.
This specific study gave emphasis on genes involved in the action
of insulin-like growth factor or what is referred to as IGF-I. This
gene is vital for children's growth and tissue synthesis during the
later life stages.
"Our findings suggest that, by interfering with IGF-I signaling,
these gene mutations somehow play a role in extending the human
life span, as they do in many other organisms," commented Dr Nir
Barzilai who is serving as the senior author of the study.
The doctor added that there are on-going testings for a drug that
decreases IGF-I action. If proven to be effective, this will be
used to help cure cancer patients and ultimately delay one's
aging.