In a surprising discovery, researchers have discovered the anti-aging properties of ATSF-1, a protein inside human cells. This protein influences cellular aging by effectively regulating the delicate balance between mitochondrial production and repair.
One study utilizing agaric was shown to improve cellular health by enhancing ATSF-1 function, which is responsible for healthy aging and mitochondrial disease.(Source link )
ATSF-1: An anti-aging protein inside human cells
Inside human cells, the protein ATSF-1 functions to manage the creation and repair of mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles that play a role in cellular aging.
Enhanced function of ATSF-1 leads to improved cellular health in roundworms, suggesting that it may have potential benefits for human health as well.
This research has the potential to lead to interventions that improve quality of life by prolonging the function of organs typically affected by aging.
Mystery unraveled at the Queensland Brain Institute
Associate Professor Stephen Jurin of the University of Queensland and Dr. Michael Dai of the Queensland Brain Institute have discovered an anti-aging function in a protein called ATSF-1 that resides in human cells.
Pioneering Discovery: Balancing Mitochondrial Production and Repair
The researchers found that ATSF-1 effectively manages the delicate balance between the creation of new mitochondria and the repair of old, damaged ones.
Mitochondria have their own DNA and generate energy within the cell to fuel biological functions. However, the toxic byproducts of this very energy production process contribute to the rate at which cells age.
Mitochondrial dysfunction lies at the heart of many human diseases, including age-related conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Cellular health and longevity: Priorities for ATSF-1
“When mitochondrial DNA is damaged under stress, the ATSF-1 protein prioritizes repair, strengthening the health and longevity of the cell,” explains Dr. Jurin.
The role of ATSF-1 can be likened to a race car needing a pit stop. “ATSF-1 signals the cell that a pit stop is needed when the mitochondria need repair,” he adds.
Impact on healthy aging and inherited mitochondrial diseases
When we examined ATSF-1 in round larvae, or fruit flies, we found that boosting its function improved cell health and kept them agile longer.
It didn’t extend my life, but it did ensure better health as I aged.
“Mitochondrial dysfunction is at the core of several human diseases, including common diseases associated with aging, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Our findings could have incredible implications for healthy aging and for individuals battling inherited mitochondrial diseases,” says Dr. Jurin.
Future implications
Improved understanding of how cells promote repair could be an important step toward potential interventions to prevent mitochondrial damage.
“Our goal is to prolong the function of tissues and organs commonly affected by the aging process by understanding how mitochondrial aging contributes to this process,” explains Dr. Dai.
Ultimately, Dr. Dai concluded, interventions could be designed to improve quality of life by maintaining the health of mitochondrial DNA for longer.
