Protein that could reverse cellular aging discovered

A study conducted at Osaka University has revealed that a protein subunit called AP2A1 may play a significant role in aged cells. Researchers stated that suppressing this protein could reverse cellular aging, while increasing it could accelerate the aging process.

The lead author of the study, Pirawan Chantachotikul, stated that they did not understand how aged cells maintain their large size.

Chantachotikul said, "The fact that stress fibers are much thicker in aged cells compared to young cells shows that the proteins in these fibers help support the large size of the cells."

Researchers determined that AP2A1 is found in increased amounts in the stress fibers of aged cells, particularly in fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Aging-like behaviors were examined by eliminating AP2A1 expression in aged cells and overexpressing it in young cells.

Could pave the way for new treatment methods

Senior author Shinji Deguchi said, "The results were very interesting. While suppressing AP2A1 in aged cells reversed aging and promoted cellular rejuvenation, overexpression of AP2A1 in young cells accelerated aging."

The research revealed that AP2A1 is closely related to the integrin β1 protein, which helps cells attach to the collagen matrix surrounding them. Both proteins were determined to move along the stress fibers within the cell. This situation may explain the reason for the thickened structures of aged cells.

Chantachotikul stated, "Our findings show that aged cells maintain their large size through reinforced adhesion to the extracellular matrix, driven by the movement of AP2A1 and integrin β1 along enlarged stress fibers."

The research team stated that these findings could offer new treatment targets for diseases associated with aging.

News Source: 12punto