A recent study shows that regulating calcium homeostasis in cells can extend the lives of mice. Calcium ions play an important role in cells as messengers that switch various processes on and off. During ageing, this balance becomes disrupted, which is linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and muscle wasting.
Researchers discovered that in a rare accelerated ageing disease, progeria, the cells had too much calcium in the cytoplasm and too little in a key part of the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum. This proved to be the result of a leak via a specific channel, IP3R. By inhibiting this channel, the calcium decreased and the health of the cells improved.
A well-known antidepressant, mianserin, appeared to block this leakage and thereby slow down the ageing process in mice. Mice treated with this agent lived roughly 17 to 30 percent longer on average and showed fewer signs of ageing, such as less bone decalcification and better physical condition.
This research underlines the importance of calcium balance for healthy ageing. It shows that stabilising this balance may potentially contribute to a healthier and longer life.
Source: Arkadi Mazin
