Scientists have identified genes that influence lifespan, but their action depends on a specific dietary regimen.
Many know that being overweight and obesity shorten lifespan. However, adhering to daily calorie intake for longevity turns out to be insufficient. Research shows that it is necessary to consume slightly less, reports Doctorpiter.
“Dietary restriction slows aging in various species and inhibits the development of neurodegenerative diseases,” say scientists from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging (USA) in their new study.
Until recently, the mechanism of this process remained unclear. However, scientists have now established that lifespan and brain health depend on the OXR1 gene, the level of which increases with dietary restriction.
The experiment was conducted on insects. Researchers began by analyzing about 200 species of flies with different genetic backgrounds. The flies were divided into two groups: one received the daily nutritional norm, while the other received only 10% of that norm.
As a result of the experiment, scientists identified five genes that significantly affected lifespan under dietary restriction. Two of them had analogs in human genetics.
For a deeper study, one gene was selected. In flies, it is called mtd, while in humans and mice, it is OXR1.
“This gene protects cells from oxidative stress. Its loss in humans can lead to serious neurological disorders and premature death,” explain researchers from the Buck Institute.
It was found that the OXR1 gene affects the retromer—a protein complex necessary for processing cellular proteins and lipids.
“The retromer plays a key role in neurons, determining the fate of all proteins entering the cell. Disruption of its function is associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases,” says one of the study authors, Kenneth Wilson.
Under dietary restriction, the OXR1 gene activates retromer functions, which is necessary for protecting the brain and increasing lifespan.
“Diet affects this gene. When you consume less food, you enhance the mechanism of proper protein sorting in cells, as your cells increase the expression of OXR1,” adds Dr. Wilson.
“Methods such as intermittent fasting or calorie restriction throughout the day can raise the level of this gene, enhancing its protective functions,” adds his colleague, Professor Pankaj Kapahi.
However, scientists note that people's responses to calorie reduction in their diet may vary, and further research is needed. In particular, they cannot yet accurately determine how many calories should be restricted. However, 10% of the daily norm, as in the experiment with flies, is clearly insufficient for humans.
