Aging is a natural process that brings about various health issues. As people age, their body systems gradually weaken, with one significant change being a decline in the body’s ability to manage proteins. This ability, known as “proteostasis,” is crucial because it helps cells maintain healthy protein levels by identifying and breaking down damaged or misfolded proteins. When proteostasis breaks down, it can lead to stress in cells and age-related diseases.
In recent research, a team from Chung-Ang University in Korea has explored how two key systems involved in protein maintenance—proteasomes and autophagy—interact to support proteostasis and slow aging. Led by Professor Seogang Hyun, the team discovered a drug that might help keep these systems functioning as we age, showing potential anti-aging benefits. Their study was published online on August 15, 2024, in the journal Autophagy.
Proteasomes are complexes that break down damaged proteins into smaller pieces, while autophagy is the process of recycling larger cellular structures. Together, they help maintain protein balance. However, it’s not entirely clear how these systems might work together to counteract aging.
Professor Hyun became interested in a drug called IU1, which, according to previous findings, can enhance proteasome activity. This led his team to study IU1’s potential anti-aging effects. Using fruit flies (a common model for aging research because their lifespan and muscle decline are similar to humans), they treated the flies with IU1 and observed its effects on their behavior and protein management systems. The results were encouraging. “By inhibiting a part of the proteasome complex called USP14 with IU1, we found it improved both proteasome and autophagy activity,” explained Prof. Hyun. This combined effect reduced age-related muscle weakness in the fruit flies and extended their lifespan. They also saw similar results in human cells.
This research could have major implications for anti-aging therapies, particularly for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where protein imbalance is a key factor. “Our findings may help lay the groundwork for treatments that could benefit those with age-related diseases,” said Prof. Hyun.
These insights open the door to therapies that may improve quality of life and extend healthy lifespans in the future.
