Randy posted a pointer to a story for lab mice deficient
in methionine sulfoxide reductase (msrA).
The PubMed Abstract for the paper is:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11606777&dopt=Abstract
A discussion of the mechanisms is in:
IUBMB Life 2000 Oct-Nov;50(4-5):301-7
Oxidation of methionine in proteins: roles in antioxidant defense and cellular regulation.
Levine RL, Moskovitz J, Stadtman ER.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11327324&dopt=Abstract
and
Biopolymers 2000;55(4):288-96
Peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase: biochemistry and physiological role.
Brot N, Weissbach H.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11169920&dopt=Abstract
However -- as Alex points out the elimination of an enzyme in
knockout mice causing a decrease in longevity is not the same
as the increase of an enzyme causing an increase in longevity.
Another way to look at it is that minimum levels of methionine
sulfoxide reductase may be necessary for extended longevity
but not sufficient for extended longevity. In fact the evolutionary
biology of aging would argue strongly that they may only be a
small part or what will be required for an extended longevity
phenotype.
Robert
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