Research report 2014 - Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing

A naturally occurring metabolite prolongs life

Authors
Denzel, Martin S.; Winnen, Brit; Antebi, Adam
Departments
Molekulare Genetik des Alterns
Summary
During ageing, human proteins tend to aggregate. At a certain point, protein aggregation becomes toxic, which can cause damage to occur also in neurons and may result in neurodegenerative diseases. By studying model organisms like the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, it is possible to uncover the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Scientists recently found that a naturally occurring molecule enhances defence mechanisms against neurodegenerative diseases. Feeding this particular metabolite to C. elegans improves clearance of toxic protein aggregates in the body and extends life span. 

For the full text, see the German version.

Go to Editor View