I am always looking in the news for ways that scientists might be able to increase life expectancy. And while it may not happen in my lifetime, I am still interested in the latest science and technology when it comes to aging. After all, my children might live in a world where their life expectancies are much longer. It seems like a topic that fascinates the world. Recently I found an article about SIRT6 protein and its possible role in human life expectancy.
Israeli scientists have found that in the laboratory the life of mice was extended by 23 percent with a special protein called SIRT6. Israeli scientists reportedly increased the supply of SIRT6 protein in 250 mice, increasing the life expectancy of subjects by not only 23 percent, but also younger and less susceptible to cancer than the average mouse.
The new study could be a breakthrough that could apply to humans. Professor Haim Cohen of Bar-Ilan University, who led the study, told the Times of Israel: “The changes we see in mice may also apply to humans, and if that’s the case, it’s exciting. The change in life expectancy is significant when you consider that an equivalent jump in human life expectancy would have us living on average until almost 120. We are developing small molecules that can increase SIRT6 levels or make existing proteins more active,” the scientist said. He added that he expected concrete results in two to three years. Cohen’s lab is working on identifying drugs that may allow the SIRT6 protein to safely be boosted in humans.
This is exciting research. I wish that lifestyle and environment had been more publicized in my earlier days in terms of their relation to cancer. When I was growing up, drinking and smoking were much more normalized. Now we are much more focused on better lifestyles and scientists are interested in preserving and extending life.