Scientists have found a gene that may play an important role in how we age. This discovery could lead to new ways to slow down aging and help prevent diseases that come with getting older.
The gene is called EDA2R. Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University in the UK, along with teams from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, worked together on the study. Their research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
Aging often comes with more inflammation in the body. Even when it’s not very strong, long-term inflammation can slowly damage organs and tissues. It can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, memory loss, and muscle weakness.
The scientists used genetic data from a large research project called the Genotype-Tissue Expression database. They found that the EDA2R gene was linked to aging in many parts of the body. This gene wasn’t just a sign that aging was happening — it might actually cause some of the aging effects.
To test this, they looked at animal models. When animals had more of this gene, they showed signs of faster aging. They had more inflammation and problems with their blood vessels, both of which are common in older age.
The team also did lab tests using human cells. When they increased the activity of the EDA2R gene, the cells sent out harmful inflammatory signals and showed problems with muscle health. These changes were similar to the muscle loss that happens in older people. But when scientists blocked the gene’s activity, the cells stayed healthier.
To better understand how this gene affects people, the researchers studied blood samples from over 5,000 individuals. They discovered that people with higher levels of EDA2R also had higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).
CRP is a substance in the blood that shows when there is inflammation in the body. This finding supports the idea that the EDA2R gene may be increasing inflammation as people age.
Dr. Ildus Akhmetov, one of the lead researchers, believes that this gene could become a target for future treatments. If scientists can find safe ways to lower the activity of EDA2R, they might be able to slow down aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
Interestingly, there are already some things that may lower EDA2R levels. Studies show that calorie restriction, regular physical activity, the supplement ginkgo, and the diabetes drug metformin may reduce this gene’s activity. These lifestyle choices and treatments could be useful for managing aging in the future.
Understanding how EDA2R works gives scientists a new path to explore when it comes to healthy aging. More studies are needed, but this discovery could one day lead to treatments that help people stay healthier and live better lives as they grow older.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about inflammation that may actually slow down cognitive decline in older people, and low vitamin D may speed up cognitive decline.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about common exercises that could protect against cognitive decline, and results showing that this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
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