Live Longer Habits

A Major Discovery in Anti-Aging: Korean Scientists Find Drug to Extend Lifespan

Scientists have been investigating a drug called IU1 to see if it can help with problems related to aging. Aging is a natural part of life, but it can lead to various health issues. Therefore, researchers are looking into ways to slow down aging and lessen its negative effects on our bodies. 

One key aspect of aging is the breakdown of systems that manage protein quality, known as "proteostasis." Our cells have ways to identify and break down damaged or wrongly shaped proteins. These systems, called 'protein quality control,' help stop faulty proteins from building up, which can stress cells and lead to long-term problems. As we age, these systems start to work less effectively, which can lead to many diseases and ongoing health challenges. So, keeping these protein control systems working well might help us live longer and healthier lives as we get older. 

New Research on Proteostasis
 

A team of researchers from Korea wanted to explore how two key components of protein quality control work together: proteasomes and autophagy. Led by Professor Seogang Hyun from Chung-Ang University, they found a drug that could enhance the performance of these systems and showed promising anti-aging effects. Their research was published online on August 15, 2024, in the journal 'Autophagy'. 

Proteasomes are groups of proteins that break down faulty proteins into smaller parts. In contrast, autophagy is a process where cells break down larger structures, including protein clusters, by forming special vesicles. Both systems work together to maintain proteostasis, but how they support each other to lessen aging effects is not fully understood. 

Fortunately, Professor Hyun discovered an interesting compound. “A few years ago, I heard at a conference that a drug called IU1 can boost proteasome activity, which led our group to test its effects on aging,” he says. 

To study the impact of aging, the researchers used fruit flies from the Drosophila genus. These flies have short lifespans, and their muscle decline as they age is similar to that of humans, making them a valuable model for aging research. The team treated the flies with IU1 and looked at different behaviours and protein management measures. 

Positive Outcomes from Both Animal and Human Tests

The results were encouraging. As Professor Hyun notes: “By blocking a part of the proteasome called USP14 with IU1, we not only improved proteasome activity but also enhanced autophagy. We showed that this teamwork can reduce muscle weakness due to aging in fruit flies and even extend their lifespans.” Similar results were also observed in human cells. These findings are significant, particularly in the field of anti-aging treatments. “Lower protein quality management is a key feature of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. 

The results from our study could help in creating treatments for various aging-related illnesses,” highlights Professor Hyun. We hope that these new insights will lead to therapies that enhance the quality of life and help people live longer.

source: scitechdaily