Scientists claim ‘breakthrough’ that may prolong human life

According to the scientists, if the experiments on the mice can be replicated in people, human lifespan could be extended as the genes involved exist in rodents and humans and perform similar roles.

“The elixir of eternal youth is now not a utopian dream,” The Daily Mail quoted lead scientist Maria Blasco as saying.The scientists achieved their results by inserting an extra copy of three genes — called telomerase, p53 and p16, known for longevity and suppressing tumours — into the stem cells of mice. Inserting an extra copy led to an increased production of protein, which made them more active. This helped telomerase protect chromosomes from shrinking, a process which happens normally when living creatures age.

Genes p53 and p16 prevent cells from mutating and dividing, and therefore prevent cancer, while producing a good balance of new, healthy cells .

The modified mice were allowed to breed to strengthen their new DNA pattern, which created a group of “supermice” with longer lifespans and in-built cancer protection.

“When activating p53 and p16 in mice, the incidence of cancer is reduced to practically zero. We don’t think the mice lived longer because they had less cancer but because these genes also protected against ageing,” co-scientist Manuel Serrano said. The mice will for four years though normally their average lifespan is three years. “This is the equivalent of humans living to 125,” according to the scientists