Genetic impact on nematodes increases life expectancy by 500%

The impact of CRISPR technology on the two genetic codes IIL and TOR makes the Elegans nematode increased by 500% of life expectancy, bringing hope of increasing life expectancy for humans.

At a glance, the Elegans worms are normal nothing too special. They are about 1 millimeter long. If you want to see clearly, you need to use a microscope. However, within the Elegans genome are human-like genetic data, including genes that cause aging.

Recently, US and Chinese scientists have discovered two gene codes derived from aging genes. The researchers changed two gene codes to increase the longevity of the Elegans worm to 500%. The two modified genes are IIL and TOR and also in the human genome. This allows us to hope that humans will live to be 500 years old.

The roundworm Elegans possesses many genetic genes similar to humans.(Photo: iflscience).

Elegans are nematode worms that live in the soil, breeding most strongly under decaying vegetation. The Elegans worm has an average lifespan of 3-4 weeks, has many genes that are similar to humans so it is often used for life-changing genetic experiments.

A recent study by the MDI Laboratory at Buck Institute for Aging Research (USA) and Nanjing University (China) found that two genes of IIL and TOR persisted during evolution, transmitted to both humankind today.

Dr. Jarod Rollins and Dr. Aric Rogers said that IIL is a gene that helps organisms respond to environmental factors, and correcting IIL by CRISPR technology will make Elegans nematode increase 100% of life expectancy. TOR is a gene that helps cells respond to changes in food intake. Altering the TOR gene helps the organism increase its life expectancy by 30%.

However, an unexpected thing happened when IIL and TOR were simultaneously modified. The scientists found that reducing the activity of these two genes would cause the Elegans to stop growing and enter a state of body maintenance. The synergistic effect helps roundworms increase their life expectancy by 500%.

The synergistic effect of the two IIL and TOR modifications made Elegans nematode worms 500% longer.(Photo: iflscience).

Dr Rollins said: "In nature, nothing exists but synergistic effects. To develop anti-aging methods, it is necessary to study networks instead of independent mechanisms. increases longevity ".

Scientists say the focus of this study is not to extend life but to find ways to help people live the healthiest, find ways to prevent the decline in health related to aging. By analyzing the synergistic effect, the team hopes to have ways to increase life expectancy and health for a rapidly aging population.

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