Scientists first realized the link between DAF-2 and aging in the early s, when a research team discovered that roundwormslive twice as longas normal when they carry a mutated version of the gene. The finding jump-started a new era in the study of aging, one driven bygenesand their byproducts.
Overall, the mutant worms dialed back both protein and energy production in favor of repairing their aging cells. Specifically, a lack of cytochrome c in the animals’ reproductive cells seemed key to this process, the authors noted. It may be that the worms put processes related to reproduction on hold while in low-energy mode, they said.
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