Scientists have found a gene that may play a big role in how we age. This discovery could lead to new ways to slow down aging and lower the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, memory loss, and weak muscles.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications. It focused on a gene called Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor, or EDA2R. Researchers found that this gene is strongly linked to inflammation, which tends to get worse as we get older and can harm the body over time.
The study was led by Dr. Ildus Akhmetov from Liverpool John Moores University, along with other scientists from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Their research suggests that EDA2R might not just be linked to aging—it may actually help cause it.
Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s defense system. But in older people, even low levels of constant inflammation can become harmful. It can slowly damage organs and tissues, leading to health problems that often come with age.
By looking at a large set of genetic data, the researchers found that EDA2R was linked to signs of aging in many parts of the body.
To double-check their findings, they also studied animals. When the EDA2R gene was more active, the animals aged faster. They had more inflammation and more problems with their blood vessels.
In lab experiments, scientists turned up the activity of this gene in cells. It caused harmful signals and poor muscle health—like what happens in aging. But when they blocked the gene, these problems were reduced.
The team also studied blood samples from over 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 inflammation in the body. This supports the idea that this gene could be a big reason why people develop health problems as they age.
Dr. Akhmetov said this discovery is exciting because it might help people age in a healthier way. Lowering the activity of the EDA2R gene might reduce the risk of problems like heart disease and memory loss.
Some simple things might already help reduce EDA2R activity. Staying active, eating fewer calories, taking the supplement ginkgo, and using the diabetes drug metformin may all help lower this gene’s activity.
This is hopeful news because it suggests there may already be ways to protect against aging using lifestyle or simple treatments.
Researchers hope to learn more about how this gene works so they can develop new medicines that target it directly. These treatments could help people stay healthier and stronger as they get older.
If you want to reduce inflammation, other research shows that turmeric may help. A plant-based diet and getting enough vitamin D might also lower inflammation in the body.
If you care about health, please read studies that vitamin D can help reduce inflammation, and vitamin K could lower your heart disease risk by a third.
For more health information, please see recent studies about new way to halt excessive inflammation, and results showing foods that could cause inflammation.
The full study can be found in Nature Communications.
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