A team of scientists led by Professor Judith Korb of the University of Freiburg found that aging in termites of Macrotermes bellicosus species is associated with the activity of mobile genetic elements, or "jumping genes" self-copied DNA elements that can move independently and thereby disrupt the normal functioning of other genes nearby, leading ultimately to aging and death. In monarchs, jumping genes are inactive, so these insects are well protected from aging. However, scientists must find out how they managed to suppress this mechanism.
Many diseases are based on genetic disorders or genetic predisposition. By identifying the genes that cause a particular disease, we can start treatment or prevention in time. Recently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method has been widely used, which allows to multiply of a DNA segment into billions of copies in a few hours. For PCR tests, we can use just one cell or a small sample of tissue. This is very important, for example, for early diagnosis of diseases: we can take one embryo cell obtained by fertilization in vitro, perform genetic screening and, if necessary, carry out the treatment of the unborn child. Over time, this can have a positive impact on the health of future generations by reducing the spread of disease.
Scientists are actively studying anti-aging methods and identifying the genes that control this process. For example, they compare the genome of old and young people and use a computer to identify where the most genetic damage occurs.
In addition, it is known that aging is caused by telomere shortening during cell division. Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes and they protect DNA. At the end of the XX century, it was discovered that the activation of telomerase, which is responsible for telomere lengthening, makes a single cell immortal. The anti-aging potential of telomerase has been discussed for many years.
Scientists have developed special injections of the telomerase gene, TERT. The specific approach of using TERT therapy was confirmed by molecular biologist Maria Blasco in mice, where she prolonged both the average survival and the maximum age of the animals[25]. In one group, mice received TERT injections at 420 days of age, which increased median survival by 24 % and maximum life expectancy by 13 %. In another group, rodents received injections at 720 days of age, which helped increase median survival by 20 % and maximum life expectancy by 13 %.
The results suggest that gene therapy may not only conquer all genetic disorders but also help humanity to defeat aging and death in the future.
A WORD ON SEQUENCING
DNA and RNA discovery gave science a powerful impetus to find reliable ways to sequence nucleotides. They are all united by a generic term sequencing.
Sequencing technologies bring us closer to the future of genomic medicine. The deciphering of the genetic code has opened unprecedented prospects for scientists and physicians and has made it possible to solve many applied and fundamental problems: the development of new medicines, vaccines, and other products. Sequencing technologies not only help identify deep-seated diseases, but also allow us to learn more about the evolutionary history of humans, animals, and plants, as well as understand the causes of mass extinctions on Earth. By sequencing the genomes of the remains, scientists learn about the origin of species, the body age, and habitat conditions. By studying DNA fragments, scientists identified a new species of ancient people, the Denisovans[26].
Initially, sequencing was a very expensive method and only very rich people and organizations could afford it. Today, almost every scientific or medical laboratory can order or perform this procedure independently. Many companies are performing genetic testing and offering individualized recommendations to help improve health and prolong life. If you know that one of the genes is defective, you can mitigate its harm in different ways, such as lifestyle adjustments or drug therapy. This personalized approach is more advanced than the current level of medical development and is undoubtedly useful for the aging research field.
Thus, by reading the genome, it is possible to unlock the secrets of longevity encoded in it and change human life for the better by activating the "immortality genes" and protecting them from damage.
WHAT IS A METAGENOME?
Sequencing technology has opened new horizons not only for geneticists but also for microbiologists. Previously, scientists could only study the genome of microorganisms that could be grown on a nutrient medium. Due to sequencing, it is now possible to obtain information about microbes with only their DNA, RNA, or even fragments of genetic material. The development of this technology led to the appearance of a new branch of molecular genetics metagenomics.
In this discipline, experts do not study the genes of specific cells within a body or in microbial cells, but rather the metagenome the set of all the genes in any given sample.
Samples for subsequent metagenomic analysis can be obtained from different areas of the human body: oral, intestinal, and vagina metagenome. It can also be samples obtained from the environment. For example, in 2003, scientists used the sequencing method for metagenomic analysis of ocean water samples obtained from different parts of the planet[27]. As a result, only in a sample from the Sargasso Sea, experts found about two thousand DNA samples of different species, including 148 bacteria previously unknown to science.
The study of the metagenome helps not just to perform a genetic analysis of microbes, but to understand the laws of microbial communities, and to define their mutual influences and metabolic chains. It allows us to get a better understanding of life in the microcosm inside us and around us.
CONCLUSION
Currently, DNA analysis forms the basis of biological research and is used in biotechnology, virology, and medical diagnostics. New technologies are being developed and improved to detect various diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, which greatly reduce the quality of life and contribute to the overall mortality statistics of the population. Early diagnosis and precise treatment were made possible by genetic methods and a better understanding of the body's structure at the molecular level. They will lead to prolonged life and help defeat aging.
CHAPTER 3
EPIGENETICS
EPIGENETICS IS A RELATIVELY NEW BRANCH OF GENETICS WHICH IS CALLED ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES SINCE THE DNA WAS DECODED, AS IT PROMISES TO TURN OUR LIVES AROUND AS WELL AS THE LIVES OF OUR DESCENDANTS. PREVIOUSLY, IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE GENETIC CODE WITH WHICH WE ARE BORN DETERMINES OUR ENTIRE EXISTENCE. BUT NOW IT IS KNOWN THAT WE CAN CONTROL GENES: "TURN ON" OR "TURN OFF" THEM BY VARIOUS FACTORS, SUCH AS LIFESTYLE OR THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS MEANS THAT GENETICS DOES NOT PREDETERMINE OUR HEALTH STATUS OR LIFE EXPECTANCY WE "PUSH THE BUTTONS" OF GENETIC CHANGES AND THEREBY CONTROL OUR FUTURE DESTINY.
"OVER" GENETICS
Epigenetics (the Greek prefix epi means "over," or "above") is the study of stable phenotypic changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence. In simple terms, it studies how genes are "turned on" or "turned off" by environmental factors. You can imagine how a certain "commander" orders the genes to work or to rest ("stay silent") at a certain moment, depending on the signal received. This "commander," who determines the activity of genes, is an epigene. Ecological environment, diet, physical activity, bad and good habits, toxins, viruses, biochemical processes in the body, as well as thoughts, emotions, feelings, and human behavior are signals to it.