Scientists uncover a muscle aging gene — and how to reverse its effects

Exploring how the DEAF1 gene and mTORC1 signaling drive muscle aging

According to НВ — Техно: On July 7 at 11:30 AM, ScienceDaily reported on a breakthrough study from Duke-NUS Medical School. Researchers identified a direct link between the DEAF1 gene, the mTORC1 signaling pathway, and the process of muscle aging. The team demonstrated that as we age, muscles lose strength and regenerative capacity primarily due to overactivity in the mTORC1 pathway.

Key findings from the study

Experiments on fruit flies and elderly mice revealed that the DEAF1 gene plays a central role in muscle aging. Its activity increases with age, in turn ramping up mTORC1 function. Under normal conditions, DEAF1 regulates FOXO proteins, whose activity declines over time. This drop in FOXO activity, the researchers found, contributes to deteriorating muscle health.

Physical exercise, according to the experimental results, activates proteins that lower DEAF1 levels. This restores protein balance in muscles and helps recover strength in the test subjects. Conversely, boosting DEAF1 accelerated muscle weakening.

Physical activity resets the regulatory system back to normal. - Tan Hong Wen

These findings underscore the importance of exercise for maintaining muscle health and regenerative ability with age. The discovery could pave the way for further research in gerontology and sports medicine, particularly in designing physical activity programs for older adults.

The study highlights how an active lifestyle supports muscle function in the elderly, potentially improving quality of life in this age group. Given the growing aging population, these results may help shape new approaches to:

• preventing muscle atrophy
• combating reduced physical activity in later years

Understanding the biological mechanisms behind aging is crucial for developing effective interventions. In a related study, researchers have explored the concept of natural selection's influence on aging, revealing intricate details about how evolutionary processes shape our longevity. Discover more about this intriguing connection in the article on the hidden mechanisms of aging.