New scientific research into genetic modification with life enhancing factors could possibly lead to new science, allowing humans to live far beyond today's life expectancy.
Scientists from Case Western Reserve University at Cleveland in Ohio, have genetically created 500 “super mice” that live longer, run faster and further and reproduce for longer. The scientists assure that that research has not been conducted with any intentions of enhancing the human race, however many within the scientific community suggest that by 2030 life extension and nanomachinery technology will be a reality.
The ‘supermice’ were bred by alteration of a single metabolism gene, similar to that in humans. The genetic alteration to a gene involved in glucose metabolism appears to stimulate the efficient use of body fat for energy production, also the mice don’t suffer from lactic acid.
The first supermouse was created about four years ago by a team of scientists led by Professor Hanson. The modification was achieved by injecting a highly active form of a gene for an enzyme called phosphonenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) into a mouse embryo. The aim of the research was to gain a greater understanding of the PEPCK-C enzyme which is present in the liver and kidneys. As a result of the genetic modification, the PEPCK-Cmus mice ate 60% more than controls but had half the body weight and 10% the body fat . The number of mitochondria and the content of triglyceride in the skeletal muscle of PEPCK-Cmus mice were also greatly increased. PEPCK-Cmus mice had an extended life span relative to control animals; mice up to an age of 2.5 years ran twice as fast as 6–12-month-old control animals.
From the research it was concluded that overexpression of PEPCK-C repatterns energy metabolism and leads to greater longevity.
It is currently not possible to introduce genes into the skeletal muscles of humans and it would not be ethical to even try. However it may be possible for pharmaceutical companies to use the findings to develop new drugs that enhance muscle performance, which may benefit certain patients.
Hakimi, P et. al. Overexpression of the Cytosolic Form of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase (GTP) in Skeletal Muscle Repatterns Energy Metabolism in the Mouse. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2007 August 23
Maeghan Dickenson
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