GULO gene
A friend, @jrslagle introduced me to this gene called gulo. Most animals have the ability to produce their own vitamin C, but primates have lost that ability and must rely on finding vitamin C in food. Vitamin C production used to occur in the liver. Related Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-gulonolactone_oxidase
My friend points out "the biggest benefit to vitamin c related to longevity is it acts as an antioxidant, so it keeps oxidative stress low. Oxidative stress is one of the causes of protein damage and also an outcome of chronic inflammation which itself is a culprit in many degenerative diseases."
While looking into this more on the internets, I ran across this: http://openwetware.org/wiki/BME494_Project_Group7 where it is suggested that the gene can be activated by exposure to an "invasive red light". WTF? Is it that easy? Accessing the liver is pretty simple. Maybe I can just open myself up and apply the light to the liver? Sure, I guess I could just shine the light in my mouth, but it might not be as rewarding.
Anyhow, if anyone has any expertise on how this light thing works, please post some info. This could be cool.
My friend points out "the biggest benefit to vitamin c related to longevity is it acts as an antioxidant, so it keeps oxidative stress low. Oxidative stress is one of the causes of protein damage and also an outcome of chronic inflammation which itself is a culprit in many degenerative diseases."
While looking into this more on the internets, I ran across this: http://openwetware.org/wiki/BME494_Project_Group7 where it is suggested that the gene can be activated by exposure to an "invasive red light". WTF? Is it that easy? Accessing the liver is pretty simple. Maybe I can just open myself up and apply the light to the liver? Sure, I guess I could just shine the light in my mouth, but it might not be as rewarding.
Anyhow, if anyone has any expertise on how this light thing works, please post some info. This could be cool.
Comments
let's pretend I never mentioned the light. Serves my right for skimming the article.