Scientists have found a protein that can affect aging – study
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Scientists have identified a protein that can influence the aging process and regulate the lifespan of a living organism.
This was reported by Medical Xpress with reference to a study published in the scientific journal Neuron.
Scientists from the University of Washington in their experiment relied on such aging factors as immune reactions, an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, and sleep disorders.
In previous studies, the scientists identified the SLPI gene as being highly regulated in the meninges of old mice. It is also present in all mammals.
| Expression of IM33 in the fly brain. Photo: Neuron |
SLPI is similar to the IM33 gene in Drosophila, on which the scientists conducted the experiment.
“At the same time, inspired by other results from our lab, which suggest that cytokines (proteins that support the immune system and help control inflammatory processes in the body – ed.) can shape animal behavior, I used flies to screen for all immune effectors that can modulate the behavior of flies, and found that IM33 is a sleep modulator.” – says co-author of the study Wangchao Xu.
Scientists have destroyed the IM33 gene in the immune cells of Drosophila. This led to an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species and a change in the composition of the microbiome in the intestine.
As a result, oxidative stress began – the inability of the cell to cope with the increase in the release of reactive oxygen species and prevent damage to cell structures.
Scientists also saw signs of dysbacteriosis and sleep disorders. Together, these factors shortened the life of Drosophila.
“This study is a proof-of-concept showing that an evolutionarily conserved immune molecule can serve as a messenger, relaying information between the brain and the gut to regulate different levels of aging and control lifespan. This function goes beyond its immune role and further enhances the contribution of neuroimmune interactions.” in aging – says Xu.
This study should contribute to a better understanding of the neural and genetic basis of aging and further study of the role of the IM33 and SLPI genes.
We will remind you that earlier we wrote that the secret of longevity can be hidden in the blood biomarkers of people who have crossed the 100-year mark.
Read also: “You just need to eat less”: what is fat shaming and how to avoid it
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