In an exciting new study, reported here, researchers have learned that managing transposable elements in DNA can extend lifespan.
Transposable elements (TEs) — sometimes called “jumping genes” — are DNA sequences that can move from one location on the genome to another. They make up almost 50% of the human genome. How often they “jump,” and why they jump, and what they do when they get there, is still being researched and debated. They have a role in regulating the expression of genes nearby and far away. But excessive movement of TEs can destabilize the genetic code, contributing to the process of aging.
“The scientists have identified a specific process, called the Piwi-piRNA pathway, that helps control these TEs. They’ve seen this pathway at work in certain cells that don’t age, like cancer stem cells, and notably, the enigmatic Turritopsis dohrnii, commonly known as the ‘immortal jellyfish.’ By strengthening this pathway in a worm called Caenorhabditis elegans, the worm lived significantly longer.”
How did they do it? They used techniques to “‘downregulate’ or quiet down the activity of TEs. When they did this to specific TEs in worms, the worms showed signs of aging slower. Even more, when multiple TEs were controlled simultaneously, the lifespan-extending effects added up.”
Bottom line: “Their research showed that controlling the activity of TEs can indeed extend lifespan, indicating these mobile DNA elements play a crucial role in the aging process.”
What does it mean for us? “By better understanding these mobile DNA elements and the pathways that control them, scientists might be on track to developing ways to extend life and improve health in our later years.”