Consequently, these ‘reporter genes’ were found to reduce the output of a single gene responsible in Nutrient Metabolism, which decreased the normal activity of the fruit fly. And caused the fruit flies to live about 70 days, almost twice as long as the normal average (37 days), which is equivalent to an impressive average human life span of 150 years.This gene in question has been dubbed “Indy” – (I’m Not Dead Yet). When mutated, it does not necessarily affect or prolong infancy, but rather takes its toll during adulthood, prolonging this active form, and delaying the effects of ageing. Nevertheless, mutations of the Indy gene cause the flies to retain normal function, such as its ability to fly, and succession of breeding.
Not surprisingly in both humans and in fruit flies, the Indy gene is located where the body stores energy and uses it. And thus, scientists are speculating that Indy mutations, is in effect creating a genetic caloric restriction, in which the “ Indy animal can eat as much as it wants without becoming obese, live twice as long as average, and still retain normal function and activity," (Helfand, 2001)
Because this gene is found also in humans, it has opened the way for new therapies, possibly becoming the basis of a drug that mimics the mutation and therefore prolonging the human life span. However given the fact that humans are far more complex than insects, it is likely necessary to alter multiple related genes to extend the life span, as opposed to just the one gene in fruit flies.
References:
http://advance.uconn.edu/2001/010122/01012202.htm
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=dYd0-f9pg4YC&pg=PA549&lpg=PA549&dq=+mutations+in+flies+extend+life+span&source=web&ots=iuPPmYfLzd&sig=p-Y-2KjZsNZT3a_vN6a_gEstIhg&hl=en#PPA550,M1
Posted by Camille Croisier (41739965)
