calorie reduction and longevity: genetic connection

According to this article I found, reducing calorie intake also has genetic background for increasing longevity. The "gene known as pha-4, which is involved in the embryonic development of the intestine in the C. elegans roundworm". This gene is very important in embryogenesis and is therefore connected to the aging process. In many studies, it has been proven that a near starvation diet can improve longevity by up to 40%. The risk of a near starvation diet is not worth the benefit of the increased longevity, but researchers believe by targeting this gene, you can increase longevity without having the meager diet. The main studies are being done on roundworms, and it has been found that this pha-4 gene is essential for the increase in longevity associated with the decreased food intake. There is a similar gene found in humans, and the question that is being raised is whether or not this gene can be modified and still have the longevity effects with a normal diet.

http://health.yahoo.com/news/174731;_ylt=AnNn6LIRpAc4yL6PUohAAQymxbAB