Is the ’longevity gene’ nearing the end of it’s life?

Sirtuins, proteins believed to significantly increase lifespan in a number of organisms - and the claimed target of some anti-ageing creams - do not, in fact, affect animal longevity, according to new research funded by the Wellcome Trust and the European Union. Sirtuins had previously been linked to ageing and longevity in yeast, the nematode worm and the fruit fly, organisms commonly used as models for the biology of human ageing. Researchers had shown that when the organism's genes overproduced sirtuin, its lifespan was significantly extended, in nematodes by as much as 50%. Further research also highlighted a connection between sirtuins and dietary restriction. Dietary restriction - significantly reducing the amount of nutrients consumed - is known to extend lifespan in many organisms, including some mammals. Research suggested that it works by activating the production of sirtuins. The studies caused much interest in both the scientific community and the media.