Description
Recent studies into different aging mechanisms have revealed a new potential field of research for increasing lifespan: changing chromatin structure. A recent network analysis identified 30 untested genes in C. elegans (a model organism) that are expected to affect longevity. Among those, a gene previously associated with DNA repair and cell reproduction, demethylase nmad-1 stands out. While recent research has found that other demethylases in C. elegans impact aging and chromatin structure, 6mA (methylation on 6th deoxyadenosine position) regulation genes, such as nmad-1, have not been experimentally linked to aging. Knocking down nmad-1 expression using RNA interference (RNAi) is expected to decrease life span, while overexpression of nmad-1 using a ubiquitous promoter should decrease longevity. Nmad-1 has a close mammalian homolog ALKBH4, so research based on C. elegans demethylase could later be used in novel therapeutic approaches to ameliorate age-related health conditions in humans.
Disciplines
Cell Biology | Medical Sciences | Molecular Biology | Molecular Genetics
Recommended Citation
Stevens, Harlan, "Genetic Modification of NMAD-1 Demethylase in C. elegans to Affect Longevity" (2022). Annual Research Symposium. 11.
https://ecommons.roseman.edu/researchsymposium/2022/postergroup6/11
Genetic Modification of NMAD-1 Demethylase in C. elegans to Affect Longevity
Recent studies into different aging mechanisms have revealed a new potential field of research for increasing lifespan: changing chromatin structure. A recent network analysis identified 30 untested genes in C. elegans (a model organism) that are expected to affect longevity. Among those, a gene previously associated with DNA repair and cell reproduction, demethylase nmad-1 stands out. While recent research has found that other demethylases in C. elegans impact aging and chromatin structure, 6mA (methylation on 6th deoxyadenosine position) regulation genes, such as nmad-1, have not been experimentally linked to aging. Knocking down nmad-1 expression using RNA interference (RNAi) is expected to decrease life span, while overexpression of nmad-1 using a ubiquitous promoter should decrease longevity. Nmad-1 has a close mammalian homolog ALKBH4, so research based on C. elegans demethylase could later be used in novel therapeutic approaches to ameliorate age-related health conditions in humans.