Key points from article :
A novel anti-ageing protein, called Gaf1 has been discovered.
Controls protein metabolism - without Gaf1, cells have a shorter lifespan.
Cells sense nutrients in their environment through TOR (Target of Rapamycin).
TOR tweaks our metabolism when amino acids are limited, TOR instructs the body to be on alert.
This “stress response” is beneficial while increased protein translation and turnover is detrimental.
Gaf1 binds on the cell’s DNA to activate or repress specific genes.
When TOR is active, Gaf1 does not bind on the DNA.
When TOR is inactivate - Gaf1 can travel to the nucleus and binds to DNA.
Stops all the genes responsible for making tRNAs.
Ensures the cell will stop putting energy into translation temporarily.
Shows how dietary restriction is controlled even down to the cell’s genes.
Research by University College London published in Cell Reports.
