Scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered a youth protein that can increase lifespan by over a decade.

The protein, called mitochondrial complex II, has been found to slow down the aging process in mice by making their cells function more efficiently.

The study

The study involved genetically altering mice to produce higher levels of mitochondrial complex II, which is responsible for converting nutrients into energy for the cells.

The researchers found that the mice with higher levels of the protein were more active and had a better metabolic rate, which allowed them to live longer than the control group. The study found that the mice lived for an average of 12% longer, which equates to around 12 years for humans.

How it works

Mitochondrial complex II is known to play a crucial role in the conversion of nutrients into energy.

As we age, the efficiency of this process declines, which leads to a decrease in energy levels and an increase in the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer. By increasing the levels of mitochondrial complex II, the researchers were able to boost the efficiency of the energy conversion process, which led to an improvement in overall health and an increase in lifespan.

Implications for humans

The discovery of mitochondrial complex II and its role in increasing lifespan has significant implications for humans.

The research suggests that by increasing the levels of this protein, it may be possible to slow down the aging process and delay the onset of age-related diseases. While the research is currently limited to mice, it is hoped that further studies will be able to show similar results in humans.

Possible applications

There are many potential applications of this research, both in terms of improving the health of an aging population and developing new treatments for age-related diseases.

One of the most promising applications is in the development of drugs that target mitochondrial complex II, which could be used to slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Another potential application is in the field of regenerative medicine, where the protein could be used to improve the efficiency of cell regeneration and repair damaged tissues.

Conclusion

The discovery of mitochondrial complex II and its role in slowing down the aging process has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how we age and how we can improve our health in later life.

The research is still in its early stages, but the findings are promising, and further studies are likely to uncover more about the potential of this protein. If the research is successful, it could lead to a new wave of treatments that improve our health and increase our lifespan, giving us all the chance to live longer, healthier lives.