Cancer-Busting Gene Can Delay Old Age - Report Shows
A new report, published yesterday in the journal ‘Nature’, highlights a possible link between one of the body’s cancer-combating genes, and the delaying of old age. The study was prepared by the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre. One of the researchers there, Manuel Serrano, stated that, in light of the findings detailed, a new wave of drugs capable of simultaneously preventing/fighting cancer, and stretching out natural human lifespan, could emerge in future years.
Mr Serrano, discussing the different elements of the research behind the report, described how mice had been used. These mice, he said, were modified so as to include an additional example of the p53 gene within their genetic constitution. What was evident, according to Mr Serrano, was that the extra gene contributed significantly in putting off the ageing process in the mice. He explained: "Everyone agrees that the ageing is produced by the accumulation of faulty cells. In other words, p53 delays ageing for exactly the same reason that it prevents cancer." He continued: "This is the first anti-cancer gene tested for its effect on ageing. The mice lived 16 percent longer in their average lifespan."
Historically, cancer studies based around the p53 gene have found quite the opposite; that, when operating at its maximum capacity, it could actually trigger the symptoms of old age. However, in this new research, p53 was regulated so as to activate only when required, Mr Serrano highlighted.
P53’s role within the genetic network is as a cancer-buster. It ensures that damaged cells self-destroy, thus avoiding the cell-division from which tumours are conceived. Where mutations of p53 occur, this mechanism is rendered inactive. P53’s effect on cancer has been known within the medical sphere for some time; Serrano detailing here how he and his team simply built on this potential.
Regarding the future use for this research, equilibrium between the positive and harmful effects of p53 will need to be found, he said. Commenting further, he added: "There are a number of chemical compounds that have been developed by the big pharmaceutical companies and these compounds are able to boost p53 in the organism. These compounds are being tested now for their possible anti-cancer activity and hopefully in the light of our study also for their possible anti-ageing activity."
Source – Pharmaceutical International Newsdesk
