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Gene Silencing in AgingImportantly, many consider the most important of these the silencing of tumor suppressors. The fact that there are substantial gene expression changes related to aging has been confirmed in studies by different groups, conducted in yeast, worms, flies and mice. These changes, in animal studies, also include increased expression of the smaller group of oncogenes and other genes which are associated with typical diseases of old age. In terms of anti aging methods, it is important to note that in animal studies, caloric restriction normalizes expression of a substantial percentage of these genes. However, these results cannot be directly applied to human aging. What has been learned so far in terms of anti aging regimens, is that some suggest that anti aging therapy related to the genes should attempt to normalize gene expression in the older population to the level typical for young adults. In all, that therapy would include the activation of silenced genes and normalization of overexpressed genes. Research suggest that caloric restriction and exercise can aid in the therapy, as well as dietary supplements including phytochemicals and resverathol. However, there is much research needed to confirm the preliminary findings, and the application of DNA microarray techniques to human studies should provide ways to compare gene expression in different age groups and signal pathways to potential therapies. Gene Silencing in Aging - StudiesAging: gene silencing or gene activation? Burzynski Stanislaw R. Medical hypotheses. 2005, vol. 64, no1, pp. 201-208. Mechanisms for methylation-mediated gene silencing and aging. Tollefsbol T. O. and Andrews L. G. Medical hypotheses. 1993, vol. 41, no1, pp. 83-92. Gene silencing--a new theory of aging. Burzynski SR. 1: Med Hypotheses. 2003 Apr;60(4):578-83. Reversal of gene silencing as a therapeutic target for cancer--roles for DNA methylation and its interdigitation with chromatin. Baylin SB. Novartis Found Symp. 2004;259:226-33; discussion 234-7, 285-8.
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