Genome Damage Tolerance Extends Lifespan

25.11.2014 - (idw) CECAD - Cluster of Excellence at the University of Cologne

The team of scientists led by Prof. Dr. Bjrn Schumacher at CECAD Cluster of Excellence at the University of Cologne has shown that a longevity assurance program in nematodes increases tolerance to genome damage. DNA damage accumulates with age and results in an aging-associated decrease in tissue function. Defects in DNA repair mechanisms can therefore lead to premature aging and early death of affected patients. The Cologne scientists findings open up new perspectives for the treatment of aging-associated diseases. Cologne, 24 November 2014. The genome in every cell is constantly under physical and chemical attack. These attacks can come from outside, such as UV radiation from sunlight, or from inside, like the toxic byproducts of our own metabolism. DNA damage can interfere already with developmental growth and the invariant gradual accumulation of DNA damage drives the aging process. People born with defects in the DNA repair systems suffer from retarded body growth and succumb to premature aging already during childhood. How does the body respond when DNA damage cannot be repaired or accumulates with age? Prof. Dr. Bjrn Schumacher at the CECAD Research Center: We investigated nematodes with exactly the same genetic defects in DNA repair as patients who suffer from growth retardation and premature aging. When the nematodes are unable to repair the damaged DNA, they activate a longevity assurance response. The Cologne-based research team has published their influential results in the current issue of Nature Cell Biology on 2014, November 24.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Bjrn Schumacher CECAD Excellence Cluster at the University of Cologne Telephone +49 221 478-84202 bjoern.schumacher@uni-koeln.de

Astrid Bergmeister MBA Head CECAD PR & Marketing Telephone + 49 (0) 221-478 84043 astrid.bergmeister@uk-koeln.de Weitere Informationen:http://www.cecad.uni-koeln.de

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Genome Damage Tolerance Extends Lifespan