Researchers at the Buck Institute have made an important discovery about a molecule that plays a major role in the ageing process. It concerns coenzyme A (CoA), which helps with all kinds of metabolic processes in cells. This molecule can also unintentionally alter proteins, sometimes making them less effective. This causes a type of stress in cells, similar to the better-known oxidative stress, which can be harmful to our health.
What is special about this discovery is the involvement of sirtuins, a group of enzymes that undo culprits like these protein modifications. The team focused specifically on sirtuin 5, which is active in the mitochondria of cells. They found that this enzym plays an important role in regulating the urea cycle process, which helps to remove toxic substances such as ammonia from the body. This process is essential for keeping our cells healthy and preventing the harmful accumulation of waste products.
Older theories suggested that the small molecular changes cleared up by sirtuin 5 were not that important. The new research shows that these modifications are in fact crucial for the proper functioning of our bodies and that activating this enzyme could potentially influence healthy ageing. It highlights that even small biochemical processes can have major effects.
Scientists now hope that these insights will pave the way for new treatments or lifestyle adjustments that improve the natural cleaning processes in our cells. In time, this may contribute to slowing down ageing and reducing age-related diseases.
This research shows how important it is to understand the body at a molecular level if we want to age healthily.
Source: Buck Institute
