A new genetic discovery [1] suggests the battle against aging could be as simple as flipping a switch.


Studies have shown calorie restriction can be effective in slowing aging and extending the lifespan, which is why researchers at Tel Aviv University's Blavatnik School of Computer Science[2] zeroed in on the metabolic function to try and identify the "aging genes." Doctoral student Keren Yizhak [3] and her colleagues teamed with researchers from Bar-Ilan University [4] to create a computer-based metabolic transformational algorithm -- or MTA -- to predict which genes could be shut off to produce the same effect as calorie restriction.


Using the MTA, Yizhak and her team were able to predict the genes in yeast that could essentially be shut off in order to turn the genetic expression of older yeast into that of younger yeast. Calorie restriction has been proven to extend lifespan in yeast and it is commonly used for genetic modeling.


The researchers identified two genes in particular, GRE3 and ADH2, which can extend the lifespan of yeast when they are switched off. They applied the MTA to human metabolic information and pinpointed a set of genes that can change anywhere from 40 to 70 percent of the differences between old and young metabolic systems.


Scientists have similarly looked at telomeres in our DNA, the structures found at the end of our chromosomes, and found that telomere length[5] can predict the likelihood of age-related health conditions like heart disease and cancer.


Meanwhile, Yizhak next plans to use the MTA to determine if the lifespan of genetically engineered mice can be lengthened by turning off the aging genes. In one recent study, researchers were able to successfully reverse aging [6] in mice by using a special compound, making older mice as strong as younger mice. "Our algorithm is the first in our field to look for drug targets not to kill cells, but to transform them from a diseased state into a healthy one," Yizhak said in a release[7] .


Who knows? Perhaps one day the discovery could be used to help humans live longer and fight off cancer, obesity, and diabetes where metabolic functions play a role.





Earlier on HuffPost50:




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  • Pomegranate Juice


    Studies show that a glass of<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/11/drinking-pomegranate-juice-slows-ageing-process_n_1087744.html" target="_blank"> pomegranate juice a day could keep the wrinkles </a>at bay. Pomegranate has previously been linked to the prevention of heart disease and stress relief, but now researchers have found that the fruit juice also slows down the natural oxidation ("wear and tear") of DNA.




  • Berries


    Blueberries and blackberries and other berries are <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3274736/" target="_blank">packed with antioxidant compounds</a> known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce the growth of certain cancers while also helping with brain function and muscle tone.




  • Green Tea


    <a href="http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea" target="_blank">Green tea has all sorts of health benefits </a>including the ability to quell inflammation with its strong antioxidants. Chronic inflammation has a part in diabetes and other diseases. In addition, researchers have found that green tea can inhibit oxidative stress and the potential inflammation that might result from it.




  • Olive Oil


    Studies have shown that<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01037" target="_blank"> olive oil's strong antioxidants may help prevent </a>age-related diseases. In addition, the low rates of heart disease and cancer on the Greek island of Crete are attributed in large part to olive oil's monounsaturated fats.




  • Vitamin C


    Many studies have illustrated the benefits of <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2011/10/13/3-anti-aging-products-that-deliver-on-the-promise-to-turn-back-the-clock/" target="_blank">vitamin C in boosting cell renewal. </a>Indeed, vitamin C helps form collagen, which smooths fine lines and wrinkles.




  • Fish


    Studies have even shown that people who eat <a href="http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/04/eating-fish-gives-older-adults-an-edge/" target="_blank">loads of fish live longer.</a> One study of middle-aged American men found that those who ate fish two to three times per week boasted a 40 percent lower mortality rate than those who did not.




  • Orange Veggies


    <a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-alpha-carotene-112310,0,2855017.story" target="_blank">Orange veggies such as carrots, pumpkin and squash</a> are packed with alpha-carotene. And studies show that people whose blood levels measured highest for alpha-carotene were least likely to die of cancer, heart disease or any other cause over an 18-year period.




  • Sunscreen


    Australian researchers have found that people who applied a daily dollop of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/03/sunscreen-skin-aging-_n_3380828.html" target="_blank">sunscreen had fewer wrinkles on their skin </a>than those who didn't use sunscreen regularly.