Scientists have identified a gene that may help explain why inflammation increases as people grow older.
The discovery could eventually lead to new ways to reduce some of the health problems that become more common later in life.
The gene is called Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor, or EDA2R. Researchers found evidence that increased activity of this gene is connected with aging in several parts of the body and may contribute to harmful, long-lasting inflammation.
The research was published in the journal Nature Communications. It was led by Dr. Ildus Akhmetov from Liverpool John Moores University, working with researchers from Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Inflammation is normally an important part of the immune system.
It helps the body respond to infections and injuries, but inflammation that continues for a long time can gradually damage healthy cells and tissues.
As people age, the body often develops a low level of ongoing inflammation even when there is no obvious infection. Scientists sometimes describe this age-related process as chronic inflammation, and it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, declining brain function, and loss of muscle strength.
The researchers wanted to understand whether EDA2R was simply associated with aging or might actually help drive some of these changes. They first examined large sets of genetic and biological data and found that EDA2R was strongly associated with signs of aging across several organs.
The team then studied the gene in animals. When EDA2R activity increased, the animals showed changes associated with faster aging, including greater inflammation and poorer blood vessel function.
Laboratory experiments with cells provided another clue. Increasing EDA2R activity triggered biological signals connected with inflammation and produced changes related to poorer muscle health.
When researchers reduced or blocked the gene’s activity, some of these harmful effects became less severe. This suggests that EDA2R may be more than a simple marker of aging and could play an active role in the process.
The scientists also examined blood information from more than 5,000 people. Higher EDA2R levels were associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein, commonly called CRP.
CRP is produced mainly by the liver and rises when inflammation is present in the body. Doctors often measure it in blood tests as one way of detecting or monitoring inflammation, although a high CRP level can have many different causes.
Together, the findings suggest that EDA2R may influence inflammation throughout the body. If future research confirms this role, the gene could become a possible target for treatments designed to promote healthier aging.
A treatment that lowers harmful EDA2R activity might eventually help protect blood vessels, muscles, and other tissues. In theory, this could reduce the risk or severity of several conditions associated with aging, but much more research is needed before such treatments could be used in people.
The researchers also discussed evidence that EDA2R levels may respond to certain medicines and lifestyle factors. Physical activity and calorie restriction have been associated with lower activity of the gene in some research, while metformin and ginkgo have also been studied for possible effects on EDA2R.
However, these findings do not mean people should take metformin or supplements such as ginkgo to slow aging. Metformin is a prescription medicine mainly used for diabetes, and supplements can cause side effects or interact with other medicines.
The study is part of a growing effort to understand aging at the molecular level. Instead of treating each age-related disease separately, some scientists hope to identify biological processes that contribute to several diseases at the same time.
EDA2R could be one piece of that complicated puzzle. Scientists will now need to determine exactly how the gene affects different organs, whether changing its activity is safe, and whether targeting it can improve health or extend healthy years of life.
For now, established habits such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar remain among the best-supported ways to protect health with age. The new research provides a promising direction for future treatments rather than a proven way to slow human aging today.
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