Knockout mouse leads leaner, longer life

2 October 2009

Scientists have managed to extend the lifespan of mice by up to a fifth and reduce the number of age-related diseases the animals suffer.

The research, which involved blocking a key molecular pathway, mimics the health benefits of reducing calorie intake and suggests that drug treatments for ageing and age-related diseases are feasible.

In a study primarily funded by the Trust, scientists from the Institute of Healthy Ageing at University College London discovered changes in the ageing process in a strain of knockout mice, which were unable to produce a particular protein known as S6 kinase 1 (S6K1).

"Blocking the action of the S6K1 protein helps prevent a number of age-related conditions in female mice," says Professor Dominic Withers, who led the study. "The mice lived longer and were leaner, more active and generally healthier than the control group. We added 'life to their years' as well as 'years to their lives'."

The effect was dramatic in female mice, but not so in males, who showed some of the health benefits but little difference in lifespan. The reasons for these differences are unclear.

Image: Mouse. Credit: Rob Owen-Wahl

Reference

Selman C et al. Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 signaling regulates mammalian life span. Science 2009;326(5949): 140-4.