🧬 A gene accelerates growth but shortens lifespan
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Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified in killifish a gene called vgll3, which perfectly embodies an evolutionary trade-off. Fish carrying a modified version grow faster and reach sexual maturity earlier, a clear advantage for reproduction. Yet, these same individuals have a shortened lifespan and develop more age-related tumors, including melanomas.
Thus, according to Professor Itamar Harel, the team "caught evolution in the act of compromising". Why can't our bodies sustain themselves indefinitely? This gene provides a direct answer: nature prioritizes not longevity, but continuity. The mechanisms that build a young body can also sow the seeds of age-related diseases.
Detailed analyses have shown that vgll3 influences cell division, stem cell activity, and DNA repair. Intense cellular activity in young fish explains their rapid development, but it also accumulates damage that later leads to tumors. "This cancer is not an accident; it is the direct shadow of their youthful vitality," adds Harel.
Furthermore, this gene also exists in humans, linked to puberty and hormones. Until now, its precise biological role remained unclear. This discovery could help understand human development, aging, and diseases like cancer. The goal now is to find a way to separate the early benefits from the later harmful effects.
The killifish is an emerging model for studying the genetics of aging and age-related pathologies, which often show differences between females (left) and males (right). Credit: Itamar Harel
Armed with this discovery, researchers hope that by decoupling healthy growth from age-related diseases, one day we may extend healthy lifespan. Their study, published in Nature Communications, paves the way for therapies targeting these opposing mechanisms.
The killifish as a model for studying aging
The African turquoise killifish is a model of choice for aging research due to its very short natural lifespan of only a few months. This allows scientists to quickly observe the effects of genetic modifications on longevity and age-related diseases.
Moreover, its genome is fully sequenced, facilitating the identification of candidate genes. Researchers can use tools like CRISPR to precisely modify genes and observe the consequences on growth, reproduction, and health.
This model has already enabled many discoveries about the mechanisms of aging. The study of vgll3 is a striking example, showing how a single gene can influence both youthful advantages and later risks.