Scientists at the Buck Institute are conducting important research into ageing at the molecular level. They discovered that certain reactions in the body, caused by the substance coenzyme A, are not only useful, but can also cause damage to cells. They call these harmful effects “carbon stress”, comparable to the better-known “oxidative stress”, a process that also damages cells through oxygen by-products.
The body has developed a system to limit these harmful effects. Special proteins called sirtuins play an important role in this process. These sirtuins can reverse the harmful reactions, helping cells to function better. The Buck Institute focuses in particular on sirtuin 5, which is located in the mitochondria, the energy factories of the cell. This sirtuin assists an important process in the liver, the urea cycle, which clears away waste products such as ammonia.
The discovery is remarkable because scientists long thought that these molecular reactions were too slow and unimportant. It now turns out that they actually play a major role in keeping cells healthy and preventing age-related diseases. The research opens up new possibilities for stimulating these sirtuins, which could contribute to a longer and healthier life.
This work demonstrates the importance of also understanding small molecular processes to gain a better insight into how the body works. It could lead to new strategies to counteract the negative effects of ageing and thereby improve the quality of life at a later age.
Source: Buck Institute
