Genes linked to ageing: p53, sir-2, daf, IGF
Examinations of model organisms such as mice and other lower organisms has yielded results which suggest that certain genes can contribute to alterations in the rate of ageing (Perls, 2002). The P53 gene is one of these genes. The p53 gene creates a tumour suppressor protein that has many functions. These include its ability to induce cell cycle arrest or activate apoptosis in cells that can’t repair DNA damage or when certain oncogenes are activated. It is commonly referred to as the “guardian of the genome”, due to its ability to prevent genetically unstable cells from entering a cancerous state (Donehower, 2005). In many cases of cancer a mutated p53 gene is present.
