Blocking RNA polymerase III (Pol III) prolonged the lifespan of worms and flies by as much as 10%, according to a study recently published in Nature.
Pol III is present in most cells across all animal species, including humans, and is known for its role in cell growth and protein production.
In the current study, led by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, genetic methods such as insertional mutagenesis RNA and RNA mediated interference were used to inhibit Pol III in adult yeast, flies, and worms.
Yeast cell survival and the lifespan of the flies and worms was increased following Pol III inhibition. In flies and worms, modest reduction of Pol IIII activity in the gut extended lifespan by an average of 10%. Inhibition of Pol III in flies' intestinal stem cells also was able to extend lifespan.
"We've uncovered a fundamental role for Pol III in adult flies and worms: its activity negatively impacts stem cell function, gut health and the animal's survival. When we inhibit its activity, we can improve all these. As Pol III has the same structure and function across species, we think its role in mammals, and humans, warrants investigation as it may lead to important therapies," said first author, Danny Filer (UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing).
The team plans to continue this work to further explore the function of Pol III and its effect on aging.