Local scientists have discovered the functions of certain genes that determine the fate of human cells causing cancer and aging.

The Korea Health Industry Development Institute said a group of biologists led by Yonsei University professors Jeong In-gwon and Lee Tae-ho has discovered a new type of aging gene, MKRN1, that kills cancer cells.

The researchers said the gene uniquely decomposes 'telomerase,' a protein enzyme which activates cancer cells, and that gene manipulation successfully induced the aging of the cancer cells.

The findings have been published in the global science journal "Genes and Development."