Scientists have identified a gene that may play a major role in the aging process.
This discovery could open the door to new treatments that slow down aging and reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, memory loss, and muscle weakness.
The study, published in the journal *Nature Communications*, focused on a gene called Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor, or EDA2R. This gene was found to be strongly connected to inflammation—a problem that gets worse as we age and can harm our bodies over time.
The research was led by Dr. Ildus Akhmetov from Liverpool John Moores University, along with scientists from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. They found that EDA2R is not just linked to aging—it may actually help cause it.
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense system, but as people get older, even low levels of inflammation can become harmful. It can slowly damage organs and tissues, leading to long-term health issues. By studying genetic data from a large database, the researchers found that EDA2R was connected to aging in many different organs in the body.
To confirm their findings, the team also studied animals. They saw that when the EDA2R gene became more active, the animals showed signs of faster aging, such as more inflammation and problems with blood vessels.
In lab experiments with cells, scientists increased the activity of the EDA2R gene and saw that it caused harmful signals related to inflammation. It also led to poor muscle health, similar to what happens in aging. But when they blocked this gene, these problems became less severe.
The researchers also looked at blood samples from more than 5,000 people. They found that people with higher levels of EDA2R also had higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker that shows there’s inflammation in the body.
This means EDA2R could be affecting inflammation throughout the body and might be a key reason why people develop age-related diseases.
Dr. Akhmetov says this discovery is exciting because it might help us manage aging in a healthier way. He thinks that lowering EDA2R activity could help reduce the risk of problems like heart disease, memory loss, and weak muscles.
He also shared that some things people already do might lower this gene’s activity. For example, staying active, eating fewer calories, taking the supplement ginkgo, and using the diabetes drug metformin have all been shown to reduce EDA2R levels.
This is good news because it suggests that there may already be simple ways to protect against the harmful effects of aging.
By learning more about EDA2R, scientists hope to create new treatments that target this gene directly. These treatments could help people stay healthier and more active as they grow older.
For anyone interested in reducing inflammation, other studies show that turmeric, a natural spice, may help. A plant-based diet and enough vitamin D may also lower inflammation levels in the body.
The full research findings are available in Nature Communications.
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