Research uncovers gene enhancing longevity  

南京大學教授發現“長壽基因”

最近，南京大學模式動物研究所陳迪副教授課題組，通過對秀麗線蟲的研究，發現線蟲體內一種神奇的daf-31基因可以調節壽命。線蟲體內的這種daf-31基因與人體基因ARD-1高度同源。未來，如果將人體內的ARD-1基因進行改造，人為增加拷貝，讓它活性升高，就會延長人的壽命，而一旦缺失這一基因，人也許就會肥胖短壽。[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- A research team at Nanjing University has found a new gene named daf-31 in caenorhabditis elegans (C elegans) that can enhance longevity of the species, local Modern Express reported.

Gene daf-31 encodes a protein that regulates C elegans larval development, metabolism and adult lifespan. Increase of the gene can prolong elegans lifespan, while its mutation or disappearance would lead the worm to accumulate fat and die, according to deputy professor Chen Di, who led the study.

Research also found daf-31 encodes an ortholog of the arrest-defective-1 protein (ARD1). It shares a 75 percent identity with human ARD1 and a 77 percent identity with mouse ARD1.

This indicates the possibility that ARD1 is multiplied in body to expand human lifespan.