CISD2 Gene controls lifespan
Taiwan Scientists discovered Cisd2 gene which linked to ageing in mammals that could have potential to extend human life. Cisd2 gene is located on the long arm of human chromosome number 4, which has been previously implicated in the regulation of human longevity through comparative genome analysis of centenarian siblings in year 2001 by Harvard University.
The scientists engineered Cisd2-deficient knock out mice and by 8 weeks, they observed obvious premature ageing phenotype. The prematurely-aging Cisd2-mutant mice showed decreased body weight, shortened lifespan by half the two-year lifespan of average mice, lower subcutaneous fat deposition as well as symptoms of Wolfram Syndrome (WFS) including early-onset degeneration of optic, muscular and nervous tissues and glucose sensitivity. WFS is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease.
Further study showed Cisd2 protein is localized to mitochondria. This work establishes WFS is a mitochondria-mediated disorder whereby dysfunction in mitochondria underlies muscle and neural degeneration and accelerated aging.
This discovery serves as a basis to study both Cisd2 gene and WFS2 gene and helps in understanding WFS pathogenesis and explore potential of lifespan-extending effects of increased Cisd2 expression.
Source:
Role for Cisd2 gene in human disease and lifespan control (2009). Retrieved May 17, 2009 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514170758.htm
Taiwan scientists identify gene playing role in lifespan (2009). Retrieved May 17, 2009 from http://www.kazakhstannews.net/story/502127
by BEE TENG TEH (41876543)
