Published: March. 29, 2012 at 7:36 PM<\/p>\n
LIVERPOOL, England, March 29 (UPI) -- British scientists say their genetic studies have helped detect proteins associated with longevity, helping explain why some animals live longer than others. <\/p>\n
The researchers examined the genome of more than 30 mammalian species to identify proteins that evolve in connection with the longevity of a species, the University of Liverpool reported Thursday. <\/p>\n
A particular protein -- involved in responding to DNA damage -- evolves and mutates in a non-random way in species that are longer-lived, the researchers found, suggesting it is changing for a specific purpose. <\/p>\n
The study is the first to show evolutionary patterns in biological repair systems in long-lived animals, they said. <\/p>\n
The findings may help develop anti-aging interventions by identifying proteins in long-lived species that better respond to DNA damage, they said. <\/p>\n
\"The genetic basis for longevity differences between species remains a major puzzle of biology,\" researcher Joao Pedro Magalhaes said. \"A mouse lives less than five years and yet humans can live to over 100, for example. <\/p>\n
\"If we can identify the proteins that allow some species to live longer than others we could use this knowledge to improve human health and slow the aging process.\" <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
More here: Published: March. 29, 2012 at 7:36 PM LIVERPOOL, England, March 29 (UPI) -- British scientists say their genetic studies have helped detect proteins associated with longevity, helping explain why some animals live longer than others Continue reading
\nGenetic study yields longevity clue<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"