German scientists make a 'major discovery' that could slow down the ageing process
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Loading... - Alonso Oscar
- 07 Jun 2023
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Despite centuries of scientific research and advancements in the field of medicine, numerous enigmas related to the process of aging still persist. One of the most significant questions revolves around understanding the causes of aging and discovering ways to decelerate or even reverse this natural progression.
Fortunately, a recent study conducted by a team of scientists in Germany, which has been published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature, appears to have unearthed some answers to these longstanding inquiries.
Researchers hailing from the University of Cologne in Germany have not only ascertained that the aging process leads to an increase in the speed of gene transcription, which involves the cell creating an RNA copy of a DNA strand, but they have also observed that this process becomes less accurate and more prone to errors as we grow older. Furthermore, they have identified specific mechanisms that could potentially reverse this decline.
Dr. Andreas Beyer, the lead researcher, referred to this breakthrough as an extraordinary moment in his career, emphasizing its rarity and significance. He expressed his enthusiasm, labeling these findings as a major discovery.
In the past, aging studies primarily focused on examining differential gene expression, attempting to identify which genes are activated or deactivated as we age and how such changes impact cellular regulation and metabolism. However, no previous research had delved into investigating the alterations in the transcription process itself that occur with aging. This avenue of inquiry has the potential to yield valuable insights that could help us ultimately reverse or halt the decline associated with aging.
Transcription, the fundamental process at the core of Dr. Beyer's research, involves the cell generating an RNA copy of a DNA segment. This copy is crucial since it carries the genetic information necessary for protein synthesis within the cell. Proteins play a vital role in determining cellular health and function, and they constitute the building blocks of all living organisms.
Throughout our lives, our cells continuously regenerate. However, each cell possesses unique characteristics shaped by the genes that are activated within it. Dr. Beyer elucidates that this activation is accomplished through transcription, underscoring its paramount importance. Since genes confer purpose to cells, it is imperative that the transcription process is flawless.
According to Dr. Beyer, the correct number of transcripts must be generated for each gene, and an exact replica of the gene sequence needs to be created. Additionally, only the precise genes required for optimal cellular function should be activated. To fulfill these requirements, a diverse array of cells exists within the human body, such as nerve cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and skin cells. Each cell type necessitates the activation (transcription) of a distinct set of genes to carry out its specific function.
The "machine" responsible for executing the transcription copy of gene sequences is known as Pol II (RNA polymerase II), as coined by Dr. Beyer. The research team discovered that the transcription process accelerates as we age, leading to increased errors by Pol II. Consequently, this gives rise to imperfect copies that can potentially contribute to various diseases.
Prior research had already established that low-calorie diets and inhibiting insulin signaling, which involves blocking the communication between insulin and cells, could delay aging and extend lifespan in numerous animal species.
To investigate the impact of these factors on the speed of Pol II and the number of faulty copies it produces, Dr. Beyer's team conducted experiments using genetically modified worms, mice, and fruit flies that exhibited inhibited insulin signaling, as well as mice on low-calorie diets. In both cases, Pol II demonstrated reduced speed and generated fewer errors.
The researchers also monitored the survival rates of fruit flies and worms carrying the mutation that slowed down Pol II. These animals displayed lifespans that were 10% to 20% longer than their non-mutant counterparts. When the team used gene editing techniques to reverse the mutations in worms, the lifespan of these creatures was shortened, establishing a direct causal link.
To validate their findings in the context of human biology, the researchers analyzed blood samples from individuals of varying ages. Argyris Papantonis, one of the principal investigators, affirmed that the results obtained from in vitro analysis of young and old cells mirrored those from the cross-species experiments. This cross-species validation signifies that the phenomenon they discovered is not limited to a specific model organism but is rather a widespread characteristic of aging.
According to Dr. Beyer, their study suggests that adopting a healthy diet or implementing interventions such as caloric restriction can enhance the quality of transcription and RNA production within cells. These improvements may have beneficial effects on cellular health in the long run.
The implications of these findings extend beyond improving our understanding of aging. They have the potential to help prevent the emergence of late-life diseases such as cancer, which often arise due to errors in cellular processes. Constraining these errors could offer a means of limiting the development of cancer and other age-related ailments.
Moreover, these discoveries pave the way for a deeper comprehension of the aging process itself, enabling the exploration of new interventions. Dr. Beyer believes this opens up new opportunities to delay aging and promote healthier aging practices.
