American, British and Dutch scientists have found a universal way of prolonging the life of organisms. The study is published in the journal Nature, reports EurekAlert! with reference to University College London.

Specialists have found that the survival of yeast cells, as well as the lifespan of fruit flies and nematodes, increased by about 10 percent after a slight decrease in the mature activity of the enzyme RNA polymerase III.

According to the co-author of the article, Danny Filer, the activity of RNA polymerase III "negatively affects the function of stem cells, intestinal health and animal survival". Inhibition of the enzyme, as the study showed, in this sense is similar to the use of an immunosuppressant rapamycin.

RNA polymerase III, experts note, is present in most cells in all animal species, including humans, and its inhibition can increase life expectancy.