Genetic Deletion Could Lead to Leaner and Longer Life

Just press, “delete” to receive the best benefits of diet and exercise? The concept may not be as far fetched as it sounds. New research has discovered a genetic link that could lead to a longer, healthier life. In fact, scientists have extended the life span and quality of life of female mice just by deleting a single gene.

British researchers at the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology at University College of London found that the deletion of a so-called “knockout” gene known as ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (S6K1) led to the mice living 20 percent longer on average. The discovery explains in part how eating less improves overall health and increases longevity. In the study report, published recently in the journal Science, the researchers wrote, “Our results demonstrate that S6K1 influences healthy mammalian life span.”

According to researcher Dominic Withers, “What we have shown is that this gene is one that regulates life span and also determines how healthy animals are in middle and late age.” Withers and his colleagues used mice bred with the knockout gene removed, and this caused their bodies to behave in a manner similar to those of mammals having a restricted calorie intake. The knockout mice were observed to have improved balance, strength and coordination. In addition, they were found to be more inquisitive, a sign of improved brain health, and they also had more youthful immune systems. Withers pointed out that other benefits were seen as well. He said, “These mice were resistant to type 2 diabetes, and they also appeared to have reduced incidence of the mouse-equivalent of osteoporosis—so they had stronger bones.” Regarding the study results, he reported, “We added years of life, but also life to those years.” Interestingly, male mice did not share in the benefits.

At 600 days into the study, the researchers made a comparison between the knockout mice and a group of control mice. Female knockout mice were shown to have lived an average of 950 days, which amounts to over 160 days, or about 20 percent longer than the control group mice. Translated to the human life span, this would calculate to be 16 additional years to live.

The quest to obtain diet benefits without dieting has long been a priority of researchers, but the gaining the knowledge of how the body works with drugs that replicate the effects of dieting has been a tedious task. Scientists have also keenly sought to unveil the secrets of slowing the aging process and preventing the onset of age-related diseases. Therefore, it is exciting to discover linked paths to gaining answers for both pursuits.

Ironically, the most popular diabetes drug in the United States, known as metformin, is believed to lower levels of S6K1. The new study findings may open the door to studies of metformin to determine possible diet and anti-aging benefits. However, Withers warned that the study does not imply that healthy people should begin taking metformin. He stated, “I don't think (taking metformin) is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.” Withers also added that more research is necessary prior to any consideration of prescribing metformin for healthy, non-diabetics.

Regarding the results of the study, Withers concluded, “The big implication is that intervening in aging protects against a broad spectrum of aging-related diseases, and there is now a “druggable” pathway providing a means to do this which could be used, in principle, in people.”