The real Dorian Gray mouse.
Genetic variants with greatly extended lifespan are proving invaluable in uncovering signal transduction pathways that influence the rates of normal ageing. These studies have so far been confined to invertebrate models such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, but there has been much speculation as to whether a similar approach could be applied to mammals. The recent publication of results on a mouse strain, mutant in a gene encoding the signaling molecule p66(shc), gives cause for optimism. The mutation renders the mouse resistant to the action of oxygen radical generators and appears to increase mean lifespan by 30%. This approach may provide a boost for the modeling of human age-related diseases.
Lithgow
G J
GJ
The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. Gordon.Lithgow@man.ac.uk
Andersen
J K
JK
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D033942:Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D055765:Shc Signaling Adaptor Proteins; D000071425:Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing, Transforming Protein 1
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D033942:Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport; D005609:Free Radicals; D011506:Proteins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C528024:SHC1 protein, human; D055765:Shc Signaling Adaptor Proteins; C528034:Shc1 protein, mouse; D000071425:Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing, Transforming Protein 1