Gene Length Might Have an Impact on Aging

Aging is a natural part of life, and remedies to slow down this natural process are among the most researched topics. Some researchers have said that people consistently live over 100 years of age, and lifestyle actions can influence one’s aging process. It is common knowledge that cutting down calories, eating a fast-mimicking diet, and engaging in more physical activity also slow aging.    

Researchers say that individual bodies react to the aging process differently, and we should be able to understand that. Researchers also say that long genes within the body prone to damage might be the leading cause of aging. These long genes also play a role in neurodegenerative disease development like Alzheimer’s. Long genes are a template to build large proteins since these proteins need a specific size to function correctly. Most of these proteins are essential for neuron functioning as well as for other parts of the body. The longer the gene, the more prone to damage it becomes. Singular damage to a gene can already prevent the body from building protein templated by the gene. Researchers do not yet fully understand all the consequences of damage to long genes.  

The body struggles and fails to produce proteins encoded by the long genes. Thus, protein is essential for the body’s functions since some of them become lost with age. The analysis has introduced a new term known as gene length-dependent transcription decline (GLTD), commonly known as a negative correlation between gene length and expression in various cell types and diseases. Long genes that become less active with age might be the central causes of aging within human bodies.   

Researchers state that long genes might play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases since expressed genes of neurons are generally long. The current study relates gene length in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. The idea for this theory has come from an observation of gene length in Alzheimer’s disease. The above theory is measurable since gene length is essential in neurodegenerative disease.  

As people age, the complex genes have more spots on them that are prone to damage. This damaged gene can no longer be transcribed to RNA and then translated to a protein that maintains normal cellular function. People can reduce oxidative stress within the cells and their genes by consuming a healthy diet containing whole foods like fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants. 

Participating in activities that promote DNA repair, like exercise, intermittent fasting, or modest caloric restriction, can also be useful. Reducing stress and eating healthy fats like omega-3 also promote DNA repair. Eliminating behaviors like smoking and drinking alcohol can also be helpful in the long run.