Scientists have found a gene that may play a big role in how we age. This discovery could lead to new treatments that slow down age-related diseases and help people live healthier lives as they grow older.
The study was led by Dr. Ildus Akhmetov from Liverpool John Moores University, along with researchers from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It was published in the journal Nature Communications. The team focused on a gene called EDA2R, short for Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor.
They discovered that this gene is strongly linked to inflammation, which is a known cause of many age-related health problems like heart disease, diabetes, memory loss, and muscle weakening. While some inflammation is normal, especially when healing from an injury or fighting infection, constant low-level inflammation can harm the body over time.
Using genetic data from a large public database, the researchers found that EDA2R was active in many parts of the body and was linked to signs of aging. They confirmed these findings in animals and found that high levels of this gene were tied to more inflammation and problems with blood vessels.
In lab tests using muscle cells, the researchers increased the activity of EDA2R and saw harmful changes. The cells sent out strong inflammation signals and showed signs of muscle damage, similar to what happens in older adults. But when they blocked the gene, these effects were reduced, showing it might be possible to slow down these aging changes.
To study the gene further, the team looked at blood samples from over 5,000 people. They found that people with high EDA2R levels also had more C-reactive protein (CRP) in their blood. CRP is a marker that shows how much inflammation is in the body. This finding adds more proof that EDA2R may be behind some of the inflammation that comes with aging.
Dr. Akhmetov said this discovery opens up new ways to fight aging and age-related diseases. He believes that lowering the activity of EDA2R might help reduce inflammation and protect people from serious illnesses as they get older.
He also pointed out that there are already things that may reduce EDA2R levels. These include calorie restriction, regular physical activity, the herbal supplement ginkgo, and the diabetes drug metformin. These may all help lower inflammation and support better aging.
This new research gives scientists a better understanding of how aging works and how it might be slowed down. In the future, more studies will look at how to safely target this gene in people, with the hope of creating new treatments to help people stay healthy for longer.
For more tips on reducing inflammation, researchers also recommend turmeric, eating more plant-based foods, and making sure you get enough Vitamin D.
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