GenengNews (2023, April 28). Lifespan Extension Record Set In Yeast Cells Using Synthetic Gene Oscillator. Retrieved August 19, 2023, from https://www.genengnews.com/news/lifespan-extension-record-set-in-yeast-cells-using-synthetic-gene-oscillator/
A team of University of California San Diego scientists has genetically rewired the circuit that controls cell aging in yeast. The reconnect circut operates like a clock-like device, called a gene oscillator, that drives the cell to periodically switch between two detrimental “aged” states, avoiding prolonged commitment to either and thereby slowing the cell’s degeneration. Human lifespan is related to the aging of our individual cells and cellular aging is a fundamental and complex biological process and is an underlying driver for many diseases. Many cells including yeast contain gene regulatory circuits that are responsible for many physiological functions, including aging. After researching that yeast includes aging, the researchers genetically manipulated these processes to extend the lifespan of cells.
This article is related to environmental science because it’s through an ecological process through an organic material and dissipation of carbon and energy through the soil ecosystem. Yeast is a cell that is a bacteria and grows from a single cell.
I’m wondering how complicated the process is to slow cellular degeneration with the genetic rewiring. Also if there are any possible downsides that can come from this process, if the process could be dangerous or result in unwanted results. If it is possible to slow down aging, it could be a very big deal but I also wonder how this would look like in the future with a larger overpopulation problem/more strain on resources.