Researchers Identify Gene With Functional Role in Aging of Eye

A study in Aging Cell found the Elongation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids Protein 2 (ELOVL2) gene appears to play an important role in age-associated functional and anatomical aging in vivo in mouse retinas, which aligns closely with age-related eye diseases, reports UC San Diego Health . The researchers found an age-related decline in ELOVL2 gene expression was connected to greater DNA methylation of its promoter. Reversal of hypermethylation in vivo elevated ELOVL2 expression and repaired age-related decline in visual function in mice. "These findings indicate that ELOVL2 actively regulates aging in mouse retina, provides a molecular link between polyunsaturated fatty acids elongation and visual functions, and suggests novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of age-related eye diseases," the authors wrote. ELOVL2 regulates levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid which has strong concentrations in the brain and retina. DHA's presence in photoreceptors promotes healthy retinal function, shields against damage from bright light or oxidative stress, and is associated with improving various vision ailments that include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and dry eyes.