Researchers have identified a gene that could play a major role in the aging process, offering new possibilities for treatments to slow down age-related diseases.
The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor (EDA2R) gene is strongly linked to inflammation, a key factor in conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and muscle loss.
Dr. Ildus Akhmetov from Liverpool John Moores University, along with scientists from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, led the study. They discovered that EDA2R is not just a marker of aging but may actually contribute to the process itself.
Inflammation is known to increase as people age, even at low levels, and this persistent inflammation can damage organs and tissues over time. By studying genetic data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression database, the researchers found that EDA2R was consistently associated with aging across many human organs.
The link between this gene and aging was later confirmed in animal models, where increased EDA2R expression was linked to signs of faster aging, such as inflammation and vascular problems.
In experiments with cells, the researchers found that overexpressing EDA2R caused harmful inflammatory signals and disrupted muscle health, mimicking the muscle loss seen in aging. However, when they blocked the activity of this gene, these negative effects were reduced.
To further understand the connection between EDA2R and aging, the researchers examined blood samples from over 5,000 individuals. They found that people with higher levels of EDA2R also had increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a well-known marker of systemic inflammation.
This suggests that EDA2R may influence inflammation throughout the body, contributing to age-related diseases.
Dr. Akhmetov believes this discovery could lead to new ways to manage aging. He suggests that reducing EDA2R activity might help slow down conditions like heart disease, neurodegeneration, and muscle loss. He also points out that certain lifestyle factors and treatments may already lower EDA2R levels.
“There is already evidence that calorie restriction, physical activity, the dietary supplement ginkgo, and the widely used diabetes drug metformin can reduce EDA2R levels,” Dr. Akhmetov explained. “This suggests a promising strategy for reducing age-related inflammation and improving overall health.”
By understanding the role of EDA2R, scientists may be able to develop new treatments to slow aging and improve quality of life. Future research will focus on finding ways to target this gene to help people stay healthier as they age.
If you care about inflammation, please read studies about turmeric: nature’s golden answer to inflammation, and what to eat to reduce chronic Inflammation.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how a plant-based diet could help ease inflammation, and Vitamin D deficiency linked to increased inflammation.
The research findings can be found in Nature Communications.
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