DNA defects are linked to cancer and may be primary reasons for aging. However, scientists argue that protein errors are responsible for some negative health changes as well. Researchers at UCL conducted experiments with simple model organisms and found that correcting protein production errors leads to improvements in both health and lifespan.
Fruit flies are often used as simple organism models in drug and ageing studies. Image credit: John Tann via Wikimedia (CC-SA 2.0)
.jpg){kind=link}
Most advancements in ageing research are revolving around DNA. Preventing DNA mutations, as it seems like, may solve cancer and ageing. However, scientists say that protein errors should not be overlooked, because they also affect health. In fact, protein errors are more frequent than DNA mutations. Because proteins have such a crucial role in a healthy function of an organism, errors in protein production definitely have a huge impact. But what exactly is that impact? Scientists used simple organisms to see how an evolutionary ‘hyper-accuracy’ mutation, known as RPS23 K60R, found in the ribosomes affects health and lifespan.
At first researchers used hyperthermophilic Archaea as their experiment model. It is a single-cell organism, known for its ability to live in extremely high temperatures. Scientists took a ribosome mutation from hyperthermophilic Archaea and engineered it in yeast, worms and fruit flies. This study showed that evolutionary ‘hyper-accuracy’ mutation, known as RPS23 K60R, in simple model organisms allowed ribosomes to produce fewer errors in its protein production. This lead organisms to live longer and healthier lives. They also became more heat resistant. In simple terms, scientists showed that they know how to reduce protein errors (at least in simple organisms) and that doing so improves organism’s health and lifespan.
Researchers also found that reengineering ribosomes is not necessary for resolving protein errors. Some already approved drugs can also reduce mistakes in proteins – rapamycin, torin and trametinib do that. Interestingly, these drugs are known for their anti-ageing properties.
Filipe Cabreiro, co-corresponding author of the study, said: “This is the first study in a metazoan organism, to reveal that fewer mistakes in proteins can prolong health and longevity; we expect our results on yeast, worms and flies to be extended to mammals, which could potentially lead to treatments for improved health in the elderly.”
If we are going to solve ageing, it will probably require a more holistic approach. We need to solve many errors that occur with age, including DNA mutations and protein errors. And doing so may lead us to solving a lot of age-related conditions, which is a worthy goal to pursue.
Source: UCL