An international team of researchers led by scientists from University College London has found that limiting the activity of the RNA polymerase III (Pol III) enzyme found in all animals, including humans, can prolong life. This was announced in a press release on the Phys.org website.
RNA polymerase III is involved in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA and transport RNA based on DNA strands. Thus, it is essential for the assembly of protein molecules and cell growth. It has also been suggested to be associated with the aging process.
Biologists have inhibited polymerase using a variety of methods, including disabling the gene encoding it and RNA interference, where small RNA molecules bind to a gene product and cause it to break down.
Scientists showed that a 10 percent decrease in Pol III activity in adult flies and worms increased lifespan. The researchers believe the mechanism is related to the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin, which is also known to prolong life in laboratory animals. Pol III promotes cell growth and accelerates cell aging in response to signals that are suppressed by rapamycin.