Mice lacking AT1A protein live longer than normal counterpartsFebruary 10th, 2009 - 5:44 pm ICT by ANI
Washington, February 10 (ANI): A group of Italian researchers have found that mice lacking a protein called AT1A live substantially longer than normal mice.
Ariela Benigni, of the “Mario Negri” Institute for Pharmacological Research, points out that medicines that antagonize AT1A are currently used to treat high blood pressure.
The researcher suggests that future studies should investigate whether such drugs prolong life in humans.
According to Benigni, the research teams analysis also suggests that the increased lifespan in mice lacking AT1A was likely a result of decreased oxidative damage to cells, a key factor in ageing, and increased levels of genes involved in cell survival. (ANI)
Tags: ageing, benigni, cell survival, cells, counterparts, drugs, future studies, genes, high blood pressure, italian researchers, lifespan, mario negri, medicines, mice, pharmacological research, protein, researcher