American scientists have identified genes linked to accelerated aging. The findings of this significant research were published in the journal Nature Genetics, revealing that over 400 genes are now associated with this complex biological process.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, successfully identified 408 genes associated with premature aging. The study emphasizes the need to develop therapeutic drugs for individuals carrying these `aging genes` that can effectively slow down detrimental biological processes.
For their study, the researchers analyzed data from surveys of hundreds of thousands of participants from the UK Biobank and other publicly available databases. This extensive analysis led to the identification of 408 genes linked to accelerated aging, a substantial increase from the 73 genes previously known before this research. For instance, the SP1 gene was found to be associated with Alzheimer`s disease, and FTO with obesity.
The scientists suggest that patients should receive a `polygenic risk score` to help them understand their predisposition to specific types of unhealthy aging. However, they stressed that the most critical step is to pinpoint the molecular pathways that control the aging process and develop treatments capable of decelerating it.
Andrew Grotzinger, the study`s senior author, noted that their research does not promise a `single pill` solution to all aging-related issues. Nevertheless, it could significantly reduce the number of medications required for elderly individuals.
In early August, researchers from Harvard Medical School announced that replenishing lithium levels in the brain can restore cognitive abilities, offering another promising avenue in anti-aging research.
