With a typical lifespan of around six weeks, the common fruit fly is one animal that could benefit from a slowing of the aging process. And that’s just what a team of biologists at UCLA have achieved by activating a gene called AMPK. Possibly of more interest to us higher life forms is the researchers’ belief that the discovery could help delay aging and age-related diseases in humans.
AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) is an enzyme that acts as a metabolic master switch and is activated in response to low cellular energy levels. It has previously been shown to activate a cellular process known as autophagy, which protects against aging by enabling cells to degrade and discard old, damaged “cellular garbage” before it damages cells. Although AMPK is also found in humans, it is not usually activated at a high level.
via Gizmag
Image: Matthew Ulgherait/UCLA
