Paper published in Cell metabolism The University of Queensland study marks a major advance in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ageing and development, and unlocks the secrets of key molecules that could improve quality of life as we age.
A comprehensive analysis of chromatin changes in different cell types in both mouse and human studies has revealed common pathways that control how people mature as they age. This cellular process was found to be predictable across different life stages, a discovery that has potential to address age-related diseases.
“By analysing both human and mouse molecular datasets and comparing different age groups over time, we investigated the activity of genes involved in both development and ageing processes,” said Dr. Dr. Christian Nefzger UQ Institute of Molecular Biology The person who led this study.
Master Regulator
“Master controller genes control which genes are turned on or off in each cell, allowing each cell to perform a specific job, much like a conductor tells musicians to play different notes,” says Nefzger. “By tracking the activity of the master regulator activator protein-1 (AP-1), we found that adult genes are gradually activated while activity of developmental ‘childhood’ genes is suppressed, a process shared across cell types.”
“This continued into adulthood, probably because AP-1 is also activated by various stresses and inflammatory processes, as well as by proteins in the blood that increase with age,” says Dr. Marina Naval-Sánchez. “This could further weaken genes that are most active early in life, causing many of the predictable changes associated with aging.”
Improved quality of life
“By identifying AP-1 as a master controller of aging across cell types, we can now study the effects of drugs that inhibit its activity to extend quality of life,” says Dr. Ralph Patrick.
Dr. Nefzger points out that the aim of this research is to target underlying processes to prevent associated diseases from worsening or even occurring in the first place, so that people can live as long and healthily as possible.
Such anti-aging research focuses on the fundamental processes that drive aging. Researchers around the world are working to develop strategies to improve human health and extend lifespan. After all, what’s the point of living longer if you can’t enjoy life without good health?
