Detects genes for cancer, prolongs life

US scientists have discovered a number of genes in C. elegans (similar to some human genes) capable of both preventing cancer and slowing the aging process. This finding opens up the opportunity to find drugs that help prolong life and avoid cancer in humans.

This study was conducted by biologist Cynthia Kenyon, professor of American Cancer Society and Director of the Center for Old-age Biology at the University of California in San Francisco.

The research team screened 734 genes of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) with a variety of techniques, including RNA interference (RNA interference) - an effective tool to control gene expression, Help disable the activity of certain genes.

Results showed that 29 genes were able to stimulate or inhibit cancer cell growth. According to Professor Cynthia Kenyon, among them, there are many genes that are similar to some genes in humans.

Roundworms Caenorhabditis elegans has genes that help prolong life, while inhibiting cancer cell growth.(Photo: biopro1.step.in-systemenet)

In the above genes, some genes cause cell proliferation, which helps cancer tumors to grow and spread, while other genes stimulate the process of apoptosis of defective cells. disability, including cancer cells.

In this study, experts found that genes that stimulate cancer growth also accelerate aging, while cancer-suppressing genes have anti-aging effects and help to prolong life in species. this worm.

To cite, Professor Cynthia said it is only necessary to create a mutation in the daf-2 gene - which plays a role in insulin receptors - which could also double the lifespan of C. elegans.

In one report, Mrs. Cynthia wrote: 'It is very exciting. Currently, there is a view that any mechanism that slows aging can stimulate the development of cancer, but in this study, we found that genes that help prolong life also work. Inhibiting the development of cancer '.

"The human body has versions of many of these genes, so this finding could lead to therapies that help people extend their youthful and non-cancerous lives," she stressed .

Now, experts are learning about the mechanism of the effects of these genes on aging and cancer. Currently, people at age 65 are 100 times more likely to have cancer than people at age 35. Therefore, the team hopes this finding will help produce a new drug that helps people live longer than just avoid cancer.

According to Professor Cynthia, the discovery reinforces the hypothesis that controlling life and cancer has the same root cause.

This study has just been published in Nature Genetics on October 14, 2007.

Quang Thinh