Researchers have discovered a gene that can increase the life of mice by 30 percent above normal. The gene is called Klotho and was named after a Greek goddess who supposedly spins life's threads.
Scientists say the gene has a key role to play in many of the body's ageing processes and that humans and mice have very similar genes in this area. Both mice and people who have defects in this gene age prematurely.
The researchers were able to boost the activity of the gene and thereby extend the natural lives of male mice by two or three years. For some reason, the treatment was not as effective in female mice.
Among the symptoms of ageing that were lessened by the gene treatment were weakening of bones, clogging of the arteries and loss of muscle fitness.
Dr. Makoto Kuro-o of the University of Texas' Southwestern Medical Center and the senior author of the study told 'Science' magazine that this 'could be one of the significant steps for developing anti-ageing therapy.'
Researchers believe the gene may be used to improve the quality of our lives in old age more than the actual life span of people.
There are negative side effects. Mice receiving the treatments tended to be less fertile than 'normal' mice and the gene may predispose people to diabetes.
Dr. Kuro-o hopes to be able to receive the quality of life benefits while minimizing the side effects in future research.
