Research uncovers gene enhancing longevity  

南京大学教授发现“长寿基因”

最近，南京大学模式动物研究所陈迪副教授课题组，通过对秀丽线虫的研究，发现线虫体内一种神奇的daf-31基因可以调节寿命。线虫体内的这种daf-31基因与人体基因ARD-1高度同源。未来，如果将人体内的ARD-1基因进行改造，人为增加拷贝，让它活性升高，就会延长人的寿命，而一旦缺失这一基因，人也许就会肥胖短寿。[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.