Scientists Find ‘Switch’ to Potentially Unlock Longer Lifespans
The compound activated AMPK directly and extended lifespan by more than 25% in some experiments, while mouse tests showed energy-saving changes only.
- Scientists published a study in Aging Cell showing that compound 991 directly activates AMPK, extending the lifespan of fission yeast, nematode worms, and fruit flies by more than 25 percent.
- AMPK serves as a molecular sensor that switches on when cells run low on energy, a process mimicked by exercise. Deliberately activating this pathway with a drug can lengthen life.
- Higher doses shortened lifespan in some experiments, confirming more activation is not necessarily better. In flies, the treatment reduced body fat without making insects eat less.
- In mice, the compound triggered energy-efficient liver changes similar to those seen in a 2009 Nature study. However, the experiment did not determine if it increases rodent lifespan.
- Manipulating this metabolic switch requires caution, as the drug MK-8722 caused cardiac enlargement in animal trials. Helena Cochem of the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences said the study is "the first demonstration that directly targeting AMPK using a drug can have longevity benefits in living organisms.
47 Articles
47 Articles
A gene of an enzyme that activates the energy saving mode of the cells has managed to lengthen the life of yeasts, worms and fruit flies, in some cases more than 25%. The authors present it as the first demonstration that directly attacking this mechanism with a drug benefits the ... Continue reading "Living 25% more: lengthen the existence of flies and worms activating their energy saving mode"
A team of British scientists developed an experimental compound that managed to extend the life expectancy of yeasts, worms and fruit flies by up to 25%. They assure that the finding in the future, according to the study led by researchers from the UK Medical Research Council (MRC), ... Continue reading "Create "miraculous" drug that lengthens life by up to 25% and could work in humans"
Activating 'energy saver' mode significantly extends lives of animals in preclinical study
Scientists have successfully used a drug to prolong the lifespan of several species of animals, in some cases by more than 25%. The study, published in Aging Cell, found strong evidence that activating a protein that governs energy levels may help organisms live significantly longer.
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