A lengthy-named gene called
Elongation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids Protein 2 or ELOVL2 is an established
biomarker of age. In a new paper, published online January 14, 2020 in the
journal Aging Cell,
researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine say the
gene appears to play a key role in age-associated functional and anatomical
aging in vivo in mouse retinas, a finding that has
direct relevance to age-related eye diseases.
Specifically,
the research team, led by senior author Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD,
assistant professor in the Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at UC San
Diego Shiley Eye Institute, found that an age-related decrease in ELOVL2 gene
expression was associated with increased DNA methylation of its promoter.
Methylation is a simple biochemical process in which groups of carbon and
hydrogen atoms are transferred from one substance to another. In the case of
DNA, methylation of regulatory regions negatively impacts expression of the
gene.
When researchers reversed hypermethylation in vivo, they boosted ELOVL2
expression and rescued age-related decline in visual function in mice. “These
findings indicate that ELOVL2 actively regulates aging in mouse retina,
provides a molecular link between polyunsaturated fatty acids elongation and
visual functions, and suggests novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of
age-related eye diseases,” wrote the authors.
ELOVL2 is
involved in production of long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty
acids, which are used in several crucial biological functions, such as energy
production, inflammation response and maintenance of cell membrane integrity.
The gene is found in humans as well as mice.
In particular,
ELOVL2 regulates levels of docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, a polyunsaturated
omega-3 fatty acid abundantly found in the brain and retina. DHA is associated
with a number of beneficial effects. Notably, its presence in photoreceptors in
eyes promotes healthy retinal function, protects against damage from bright
light or oxidative stress and has been linked to improving a variety of vision
conditions, from age-related macular (AMD) degeneration to diabetic eye disease
and dry eyes.
Skowronska-Krawczyk
said the work demonstrated for the first time that a “methylation clock” gene
had a functional role in the aging of an organ. In this case, the eye. DNA
methylation is used throughout the human body, essentially turning biological
switches on an off to maximize efficient operation. It has key regulatory roles
in the body’s cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive and detoxification
systems.
In recent years,
there has been much work and progress in identifying possible biomarkers that
predict the biological age (not chronological) of individuals. Such biomarkers
would be useful in identifying risk and status of age-related diseases. ELOVL2
is among the genes attracting greatest interest.
“I have been asked whether I think ELOVL2 is the aging gene,” said
Skowronska-Krawczyk. “After thinking about it, it is not unreasonable to think
that lower ELOVL2 expression might be at the basis for many age-related
conditions. Future work in our lab will address that question.”
Source: https://myfusimotors.com/2020/01/16/researchers-identify-gene-with-functional-role-in-aging-of-eye/
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