In a groundbreaking study, a team of Chinese scientists has identified a longevity gene named CG11837 that could significantly enhance human resistance to aging and offer new strategies for pest control.
Unveiling the Power of Mitochondria
Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, are essential for energy production and have long been linked to the aging process. While previous research has focused heavily on mitochondria themselves, less attention has been given to the cell nuclei, which have co-evolved with mitochondria over time.
Co-evolutionary Insights from Insects
The research team from Zhejiang University and the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes of 472 insect species. Through this extensive analysis, they identified 75 nuclear genes that co-evolve with mitochondrial genes.
Among these, they pinpointed four genes, with a particular focus on CG11837. By reducing the activity of these genes in fruit flies, the scientists observed significant changes in mitochondrial structure compared to control groups.
A Step Towards Extended Lifespan
Further experiments revealed a strong positive correlation between the activity of CG11837 and the lifespan of organisms. When the gene was suppressed in six different species—including brown planthoppers, fruit flies, and mosquitoes—the lifespans of these organisms were dramatically shortened by 25 to 59 percent.
Conversely, overexpressing the CG11837 gene extended the median lifespan of fruit flies, highlighting its potential role in promoting longevity.
Implications for Human Health and Agriculture
In vitro studies using human cells demonstrated that activating the CG11837 gene enhanced the cells' ability to combat aging by 30 percent. This suggests that CG11837 activation could emerge as a novel strategy for extending human lifespan.
Moreover, the ability to shorten the lifespan of pests by knocking down this gene presents a promising avenue for agricultural pest control, potentially reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Future Directions
The researchers believe that their findings open up exciting possibilities for both healthcare and agriculture. By further exploring the functions of CG11837, they hope to develop new interventions that promote longevity and provide sustainable pest management solutions.
The study was published in the journal Nature Aging this week.
Reference(s):
Scientists identify new gene that may resist aging, kill pests
cgtn.com
