The tumor-resistant supermouse was created by Spanish scientists. By the way, the rodent managed to extend its life by half. If the same therapy was applied to people, the average life expectancy would be 120 Years, bringing “Poland”. Maria A. Blasco of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) and her colleagues at the University of Valencia to modify the genes of a supermouse in this way, that she was no longer susceptible to cancer. By the way, the amount of an enzyme called telomerase in the body has been genetically increased, on which it depends, how quickly cells wear out. It did, that the body of a supermouse aged nearly half as much as that of a rodent, whose gene structure has not been modified. From mid-years 90. of the last century, scholars know, that the secret of our body's aging is hidden in a protein called telomerase. This enzyme supports cell regeneration, allowing the body to be young for a long time. Unfortunately, with age, telomerase becomes lazy and activates the processes of cell rejuvenation less and less. Earlier manipulations with mouse telomerase (making her stay active) turned out to be unsuccessful, because the multiplication of this protein was also conducive to the formation of cancer. The life-extending enzyme activity is, as a rule, much greater in rapidly growing cancer cells.
From a report published in a scientific journal “Cell” it follows, that the genetically modified mouse in its old age also had stronger muscles, healthier skin and a more efficient digestive system. – By simultaneously increasing the amount of telomerase and cancer resistance, we were able to protect the mouse from aging and extend its life by 40 proc. – argues Maria A.. Blasco z CNIO.
By the way, the very beginning of the aging process of the body has been significantly delayed, that is, matured elongated, fully functional period of the rodent's life. A Spanish friend from the United States, Rita Effors z University of California, it tries in turn to force telomerase to be more active without gene modifications, but with the root extract of a plant called astragalus. This herb has long been used by Chinese traditional medicine to boost the immune system. About ten varieties of astragalus grow wild in Poland (pour. Astrogalus).
Astragalus extract produced as a drug called TAT2 by California-based Geron Corporation slows down telomere shortening, that is, it extends the ability of cells to divide and enhances antiviral immunity. Rita Effors takes care, that the TAT2 agent not only activates telomerase and prolongs life, but it can also fight HIV effectively, being taken as a supplement along with antiviral medications. Aubrey de Gray from the Matuzalema Foundation is a great supporter and promoter of telomerase research., which he has been preaching for years, that thanks to science, future generations will live much longer than they are today. – This is something, which brings us hope.
We think, that someday we will be able to activate telomerase in cells in such a way, that we will extend the life span of cells. And our life – comments on recent research on de Gray telomerase. Rejuvenation of dogs using gene therapy will soon be proposed by veterinary clinics in the USA. – We are already in the final stage of processing all permits. A gene treatment for improving muscle strength, Vitality and endurance in aged dogs has already passed clinical trials – says prof. Lee Sweeney z University of Pennsylvania. At the request of its owner, the dog will receive an injection into the liver, which “will turn off” production of myostatin in genes. It is a protein that inhibits muscle growth in humans and animals. The same method could be used to treat sick people, e.g.. for muscular dystrophy.
