A scientist has dispelled the myth of the immortality gene

There is no immortality gene that could be embedded in human DNA. This was announced on October 10 by Sergey Lukyanov, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and rector of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, at the Science 0+ festival.

"There is no immortality gene. There are, rather, death genes. And some organisms have lost them, because they feed on them anyway, they don't live long," TASS quoted the academician as saying.

Lukyanov noted that the functioning of genes is a complex system of interrelated processes. Even the presence of the necessary gene in the DNA does not guarantee its activity: to start the work, you need to find substances that can activate it.

As an example, the scientist cited the use of stem cells for the treatment of the nervous system. According to him, it is not enough to simply introduce cells into the body — it is necessary to ensure their proper embedding in tissues and "teach" them to perform the necessary functions.

Gene by appointment: will medicine be able to learn how to correct DNA errors

Scientists are learning how to use viruses to eliminate breakdowns in the body

Earlier in October, Russian scientists identified 53 genetic variants associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior in people with depression. Suicidal tendencies were assessed using standardized questionnaires. In addition, DNA samples were taken from all participants. The most unexpected was the connection of suicide attempts with genes regulating the metabolism of galactose— a molecule that enters the body as part of milk sugar.