Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have made a significant discovery related to the aging of human cells. A study conducted by the Zoology Institute and the Beijing Institute of Genomics, led by researchers Liu Guanhuya, Zi Jing, and Zhan Vayzi, revealed that the increased level of the PAPP-A protein is a key factor in the aging process of various types of human cells.
For a long time, there has been uncertainty about the role of PAPP-A in aging. However, it has now been confirmed that this protein does not work alone but is activated by sirtuins, crucial proteins for regulating metabolism and cellular processes. The study showed that the absence of any of the seven sirtuins (Sirt1-7) leads to accelerated aging of cells.
When sirtuins are absent, PAPP-A is activated, resulting in abnormal gene expression and cellular aging, where cells cease to divide. The study highlighted PAPP-A as a potential biomarker of aging, with higher levels observed in older individuals compared to younger individuals.
The research also focused on exploring sirtuins and their role in slowing down the aging process, including the impact of calorie restriction. The Chinese Academy of Sciences stresses the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of the interaction between PAPP-A and sirtuins through systematic comparative studies.
By establishing connections between sirtuins and potential target genes, the study has opened up new possibilities for developing strategies to intervene in the aging process. The analysis of chromatin’s 3D structure has enabled the identification of new mechanisms of cellular aging, leading to innovative approaches for assessing and intervening in this process.
The findings of this groundbreaking study, published in the journal Developmental Cell on March 13, 2024, shed light on new aspects of the aging process and may pave the way for the development of methods to extend a person’s productive lifespan.