 |
|
Worms hold clue to link between cancer and ageing in humans
June 02, 2006A type of protein linked to cancer prevention in humans may also play a role in ageing, according to findings published in the journal Science tomorrow. The internationally funded research, carried out at the Buck Institute in the USA and the University of Manchester in the UK, found that proteins which prevent cancer in humans by stopping damaged cells from dividing, also determine lifespan in microscopic worms.
The findings raise the question of whether genetic variations in specific proteins in humans may protect some people from age associated diseases, while placing others at heightened risk of cancer.
In the study, which received funding from the UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), researchers genetically removed checkpoint proteins in the nematode worm, C.elegans, which resulted in a 15 to 30 per cent increase in the lifespan of the worms.
Previously it was thought that checkpoint proteins were only functional in dividing cells, but this new research suggests they have a dual function, also being active in cells that no longer divide.
Gordon Lithgow, Associate Professor at the Buck Institute, explained: "We know that ageing is a huge risk factor in cancer, and although we know the role these proteins plays in preventing cancer — or encouraging it if the proteins are not working properly—we did not imagine that this checkpoint protein would be involved in determining lifespan."
The team of international researchers, including scientists from Denmark and India, discovered the dual role of the checkpoint proteins while screening the worms for genes that determine stress resistance and longevity in cells.
Professor Lithgow said: "We have known for a long time that checkpoint proteins can influence the development of cancer, now we know they can influence longevity too. This discovery has exciting potential as an area of inquiry into a possible cellular link between ageing and cancer. We are now concentrating on trying to identify additional tumour suppressor genes that impact on ageing in worms and human cells. We think there are many more checkpoint proteins some of which may help to develop therapies for cancer and age associated diseases."
Professor Julia Goodfellow, Chief Executive of BBSRC, which funded the initial stages of the research, said: "Ageing and cancer are global concerns and it is exciting to see the success of international collaborations such as this. It is only by understanding fundamental bioscience like this that we can develop and deliver health benefits to the public in the future."
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Previously it was thought that checkpoint proteins were only functional in dividing cells, but this new research suggests they have a dual function, also being active in cells that no longer divide.
Gordon Lithgow, Associate Professor at the Buck Institute, explained: "We know that ageing is a huge risk factor in cancer, and although we know the role these proteins plays in preventing cancer — or encouraging it if the proteins are not working properly—we did not imagine that this checkpoint protein would be involved in determining lifespan."
The team of international researchers, including scientists from Denmark and India, discovered the dual role of the checkpoint proteins while screening the worms for genes that determine stress resistance and longevity in cells.
Professor Lithgow said: "We have known for a long time that checkpoint proteins can influence the development of cancer, now we know they can influence longevity too. This discovery has exciting potential as an area of inquiry into a possible cellular link between ageing and cancer. We are now concentrating on trying to identify additional tumour suppressor genes that impact on ageing in worms and human cells. We think there are many more checkpoint proteins some of which may help to develop therapies for cancer and age associated diseases."
Professor Julia Goodfellow, Chief Executive of BBSRC, which funded the initial stages of the research, said: "Ageing and cancer are global concerns and it is exciting to see the success of international collaborations such as this. It is only by understanding fundamental bioscience like this that we can develop and deliver health benefits to the public in the future."
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Ageing News and Current Ageing Events RSSObesity in elderly a ticking time bomb for health services
Research carried out at the Peninsula Medical School in the South West of England has discovered that obesity in later life does not make a substantial difference to risks of death among older people but that it is a major contributor to increased disability in later life - creating a ticking time bomb for health services in developed countries.
Heart disease is linked to worse mental processes that, in turn, predict the onset of dementia
Coronary heart disease is associated with a worse performance in mental processes such as reasoning, vocabulary and verbal fluency, according to a study of 5837 middle-aged Whitehall civil servants.
Diabetes linked to male infertility; excess sugars in the body have direct effect on sperm quality
Diabetes in men has a direct effect on fertility, a scientist told the 24th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology today.
Overcrowding and understaffing in hospitals increases levels of MRSA infections
A review article authored by a University of Queensland academic has found overcrowding and understaffing in hospitals are two key factors in the transmission of MRSA (Meticillin - Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infections worldwide.
Advance towards early Alzheimer's diagnosis
An Australian research project has found a way to bring forward the detection of early stage Alzheimer's disease by up to 18 months.
Joint distraction promotes structural repair in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis
oint distraction (the use of a surgical frame around a degenerated joint to strengthen and promote repair) promotes cartilage repair in severe end stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, as demonstrated for the first time by data presented today at EULAR 2008, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Paris, France.
Prevalence of US osteoprotic hip fracture hospitalizations declines despite an aging population
The prevalence of hospitalisations for osteoporotic (non-traumatic) hip fractures in the USA declined significantly from 1988 to 2005, despite an increase in all-cause hospitalisations over the same period and a general ageing of the population, according to research presented today at EULAR 2008, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Paris, France.
New research links smoking and body mass index to hearing loss
Smoking and body mass index (BMI) are risk factors in the development of age-related hearing loss, says one of the largest-ever studies into risk factors for hearing loss - but alcohol has a protective effect.
Quest for better treatment for effects of menopause
During menopause, lack of oestrogens increases the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases. For her doctoral thesis, University of the Basque Country researcher, Ainhoa Ruiz del Agua, studied the effects of substitute treatments and the genetic factors influencing the response to these therapies.
Human ageing gene found in flies
Scientists funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have found a fast and effective way to investigate important aspects of human ageing.
More Ageing News Articles
 | Sage-ing While Age-ing by Shirley MacLaine "I've been a questioner all my life..."So begins bestselling author and award-winning actress Shirley MacLaine, as she invites readers to join her on the most powerful, provocative journey of her life. Over the years, Shirley has firmly established herself as a fearless, iconoclastic thinker and seeker of truth. Now, as she confronts the realities and rewards of growing older, she reflects on the... |
 | From Age-Ing to Sage-Ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Ronald S. Miller |
 | Gerontological Nursing: Promoting Successful Aging with Older Adults Retaining its practical, clinically oriented approach, the 3rd edition covers a wide range of topics and issues necessary to deal with the older patient, in a succinct format that can be used in a variety of courses covering gerontological nursing. The book introduces the concept of "successful aging"the ability to maintain a low risk of disease and disease-related disability, high... |
 | Aging and Older Adulthood (with InfoTrac ) by Joan T Erber Filled with examples that reflect the diversity of the world we live in, Erber's accessible, yet science-based book focuses on research and theory that add to our understanding of aging and older adulthood. Erber organizes the book around complementary 'big point-of-view' theories that focus on successful aging and successful adaptation (such as 'selective optimization with compensation') as well... |
 | Oxygen: The Molecule that Made the World (Popular Science) by Nick Lane In Oxygen, Nick Lane takes the reader on an enthralling journey as he unravels the unexpected ways in which oxygen spurred the evolution of life and death. He shows how oxygen underpins the origin of biological complexity, the birth of photosynthesis, the sudden evolution of animals, the need for two sexes, the accelerated aging of cloned animals like Dolly the sheep, and the surprisingly long... |
 | Functional Performance in Older Adults New chapters on sexuality, wellness, community-based care, driving, an d theories of aging. Provides a broad context in which to understand t he client from a historical, cultural, biological, and social perspect ive. Focuses on the interdisciplinary approach, with contributions fro m occupational, physical, and speech therapists; social workers; psych ologists; and anthropologists.... |
 | The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life by M.d., Ph.d., Gene D. Cohen In a single generation, the view of life after fifty has changed dramatically. Today's society is shaped by unprecedented growth in the number of people living in their "golden years", shifting patterns of work and home life, and advances in health care that offer the promise of longer, more active lives. In this fascinating, life-affirming book, Dr. Gene Cohen debunks harmful myths about aging... |
 | Elder Care in Occupational Therapy by Sandra Cutler Lewis Elder Care in Occupational Therapy has been extensively revised into a new and completely updated second edition. This pragmatic text presents up-to-date information in a user-friendly format that seamlessly flows from one subject to the next. From wellness to hospice, Elder Care in Occupational Therapy, Second Edition offers a broad yet detailed discussion of occupational therapy practice that... |
 | Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia by James R. Dowling Although very little can be done to alter the course of dementia, much can be done to maximize the quality of life of people with the condition. Research as well as practical experience suggest that behavior management, especially through programs that provide meaningful and constructive activity, is currently the most effective treatment.In Keeping Busy, James Dowling describes a variety of... |
 | Nursing Assistant: A Nursing Process Approach Hardcover Edition by Barbara Hegner, Barbara Acello, Esther Caldwell This best-selling competency based learning system offers comprehensive content that is unequaled in preparing learners to be skilled nursing assistants in long term care, acute care, and home care settings. Over the years, this text has become the essential resource for the latest information and trends in nursing assistant education. It includes the latest health industry expectations of the... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |