A new study from the University of California- Los Angeles showed a gene that can slow the aging process of the entire body through remote activation of key organ systems.

With the help of fruit flies, they activated the gene called AMPK, which is the key energy sensor in cells that can slow the aging process beyond the organ system.

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David Walker, one of the researchers, said that their findings can aid in extending the life of humans who require many body organ protection.

Humans have AMPK that is not activated at a high level, he added.

Walker said that their findings could intervene with the aging process and delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, stroke, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Researchers explained that by activating the AMPK in the nervous system, they found increased level of autophagy in the brain and in the intestine.

Walker explained that many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are associated with accumulation of protein aggregates, which is the cellular garbage of the brain.

Activating autophagy showed that this is necessary for anti-aging that could bypass AMPK and directly target autophagy. 

Autophagy is a basic catabolic mechanism that involves cell degradation of unnecessary cellular components created by lysosomes.

According to the researchers, the aim of this study is the promotion of healthy aging in people.

The National Institute of Aging funded this research that was supported by Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Award and Eureka and Hyde Fellowship from UCLA Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.