Research on C. elegans. expands understanding of the aging process

In a recent US study led by Sanford Burnham Prebys Institute for Medical Research (SBP), scientists have discovered a protein that can prolong the natural life of C. elegans. C. elegans are a kind of worms which are commonly used for the study on aging and longevity. The findings are published in today's issue in journal Cell Reports. It expands our understanding of the aging process, and may offer a new way to delay the onset of age-related human diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

First author, former graduate student associate professor SBP development, aging and regeneration projects Malene Hansen Laboratory Philip McQuary said, "We found that we can increase the amount of protein called arginine kinase by -1 (ARGK-1), and to extend the life .ARGK-1 can maintain the availability of intracellular ATP, we suspect that elevated levels of this protein can trigger a fuel sensor, which regulate energy balance, and prolong life."

By comparing normal nematodes and lack of S6 kinase (S6K) nematode protein levels, the study team identified ARGK-1, the genetically altered so that nematodes are living longer at least 25%. Reduce S6K protein also significantly extend the life of some other organisms, including laboratory mice, indicating that this pathway controls aging, is evolutionarily conserved.

McQuary said, "ARGK-1 was aroused our attention, because it S6K in mutant C. elegans nematode than the normal level of 30 times when we prepared normal expression nematode ARGK-1, which shows significantly longer survival, thus also means ARGK-1 itself can prolong life."

ARGK-1 and its mammalian equivalents - creatine kinase, can be energy (in the form of phosphoric acid arginine or creatine phosphate) transport to different locations cells. The team found that, like C. elegans, as in the absence of a similar protein S6K mice brain, elevated creatine kinase levels.

McQuary added, "Interestingly, we found that creatine supplements - creatine kinase substrate, can improve health and longevity in mice, and may provide a beneficial effect on Parkinson's disease patients, thus suggesting that these enzymes It plays a potential role in aging and aging-related diseases."

"Pick out the function of cells which are protected for a correct understanding 'ARGK-1 on how to support the life of nematodes and other organisms', is crucial."

Hansen explains, "The main goal of our study of aging is not just looking for a method to extend human life, but also to understand 'our cells and tissues, why over time become less and less functional' such insights. It enables us to develop better preventive health care, to improve the overall health of the elderly, or develop interventions to slow or even stop the progression of aging-related diseases."

Hansen said, "For example, in cancer, some tumors can highly activate S6K to meet the needs of tumor growth. A further understanding of the relationship between creatine kinase and S6K might bring new ways to develop new drugs for age-related diseases including cancer."

More can be found here: http://www.cusabio.com/ELISA-Kit/Rabbit-creatine-kinase-BB-isoenzyme-CK-BB-ELISA-kit-1035550.html