More Potential Mouse Longevity Genes
The advance of biotechnology means that there are more ways than life span studies to identify potential longevity genes. Researchers can also look at specific forms of damage or level of cellular function in tissues, as is done here: "the p38MAPK protein, already known for its role in inflammation, also promotes aging when it activates another protein p16, which has long been linked to aging. In addition, they found that reducing the levels of p38MAPK delayed the aging of multiple tissues. Through their experiments, the scientists found that partial inactivation of p38MAPK was sufficient to prevent age-induced cellular changes in multiple tissues, as well as improve the proliferation and regeneration of islet cells, without affecting the tumour suppressor function of p16 in mice. ... several organs, including the pancreas, in the mice that had a reduced amount of p38MAPK protein exhibited a delayed degeneration as the mice grew older. ... Due to the previously established involvement of p38MAPK in inflammatory diseases, small molecule inhibitors of p38MAPK signalling have already entered clinical trials for the treatment of other medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Our latest discovery offers the possibility that a novel, pharmacological approach could be developed to combat age-related disorders."
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721144637.htm