Genetic engineering in mice has added considerable time to their lives (20 to 30 percent longer lives) due to the finding of a new gene, Klotho - which is responsible for genetically produced anti-aging and was named after the Greek goddess who spins the thread of life. This research may prove promising for people around the world. The manipulation of this anti-aging gene consists of over-expressing it which, in turn, suppresses its ability to suppress insulin-signaling pathways, which are known to have correlation to the aging process in worms and flies.

Because the Klotho protein is regulated by the Klotho gene, making it work harder and produce more Klotho protein works as an anti-aging process.

Researchers found that the gene accelerated the aging process when it was suppressed and acted as an anti-aging solution when it hade an over-production of the Klotho protein.

The human Klotho gene in mice is much like the gene in humans so studies were done to alter the human gene. These studies showed the same results as in mice. The gene, when forced to over-produce the Klotho protein, acted as an anti-aging agent within in the body. It was shown to be able to combat muscular atrophy and hardening of the arteries. What does this have to do with your skin?

Muscular atrophy means that the muscles degenerate, which in turn causes sagging in both the muscles and the skin; hardening of the arteries means that circulation is reduced, which means that your skin cannot get nutrition as easily or remove toxins very well. All of these affected processes are vital to healthy, youthful skin. On the other side of the coin, the mice where often less fertile and there is a possibility that diabetes can occur since the gene helps regulate insulin. If scientists can minimize the side effects while enhancing anti-aging, the gene research will prove to be a huge advancement to those of us who are combating the visible (and internal) aging process.

Keep in mind that the studies done on the human gene were not actually done in humans, but in a laboratory on the gene itself. The effects were shown in mice, but the manipulation of the human gene in the laboratory setting were the same as those on the mouse gene. This has given scientists reason to hypothesize that manipulation of the Klotho gene will result in the same results when used in the human body, making it a possible future treatment for anti-aging.

Although the gene has shown to be responsible for the above signs of aging, it is not responsible for others, like senility and Alzheimer's. Because of this, scientists have continued their search for a 'master control' gene that affects more results of the aging process (another gene, P63, may just be this controlling gene). Manipulation within the human body is expected to result in slowing of the many visible signs of aging.

In years past, our bodies were much like a new house. When the structure is first built, everything is new, neat, and glorious. As time wears on, things start to change, walls need painted, carpeting replaced, etc. Eventually, the outside of the house shows signs of age: the paint peels, wood warps, and roof needs to be replaced. Then we learn that various construction companies are more than willing to come in and give your house the TLC it needs - anti-aging the house.

Just a little over a decade ago, we knew nothing about genetics and anti-aging but today we see that our bodies are much the same. By learning about genetics and the possibilities associated with them, we may eventually be able to give our bodies some essential TLC and drastically change the aging process that out bodies are predisposed to have from birth. Eventually, our doctors may, in essence, be our structural contractors in terms of the human body and anti-aging.