Scientists in Denmark have discovered a gene called OSER1 that affects the aging process and may be crucial to human longevity. The researchers say the discovery could open the way to developing new treatments for age-related diseases.
A team of scientists from the University of Copenhagen has discovered one of the most important genes that affect lifespan – a gene encoding a protein called OSER1. The results of the study were published in the journal “Nature Communications” on August 21, and are also described on the university's website.
Scientists' extraordinary discovery
The researchers reported that they found 10 genes and manipulated them in such a way that they changed the lifespan of animals. They noticed that OSER1 had the strongest effect among them. Prof. Lene Juel Rasmussen, the lead author of the study, explained that this protein is found in various animals, such as fruit flies, roundworms, silkworms, but also in humans. – We have identified a protein that can extend life. This is a new factor that affects longevity – she emphasized.
Since the protein occurs in humans, the researchers found that the pattern is not only present in animals, but also in humans. – If a gene occurs only in animal models, it may be difficult to relate its effects to human health. That is why we initially studied various potential longevity-related proteins that occur in many organisms, including humans. We are interested in learning about the genes responsible for human longevity, in order to use them in the development of new drugs and treatments – explains the study's co-author, Dr. Zhiquan Li.
“We are currently trying to understand the role of OSER1 in humans, but the lack of literature is a challenge. So far, there has been little published on this topic. This study is the first to show that OSER1 is an important factor in aging and longevity. In the future, we hope to provide information on specific age-related diseases and aging processes that are affected by OSER1,” says Dr. Zhiquan Li.
Scientists hope that understanding the OSER1 gene will enable the development of new drugs for age-related diseases, such as metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
PAP, healthsciences.ku.dk
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