Another way
Scientists have figured out how the "miraculous" cure for aging works
Georgy Golovanov, Hi-tech+
American scientists have discovered a new mechanism of action of the life-prolonging drug rapamycin. Their opening will allow the launch of a new generation of "old age pills".
In 1972, a new miracle was discovered on Easter Island, or Rapanui, rapamycin, a product of the metabolism of Streptomyces hygroscopicus bacteria found in the soil. Over the next 30 years, the drug began to be used as an immunosuppressant, preventing organ rejection during transplantation or implantation of coronary stents. And recently it has also attracted attention as a means to fight cancer and aging, writes Michigan News (A new pathway for an anti-aging drug).
Article by Zhang et al. Rapamycin directly activates lysosomal mucolipin TRP channels independent of mTOR published in the journal PLOS Biology – VM.
The effect of rapamycin is to regulate cell growth by suppressing the mTOR signaling pathway. Inhibition of mTOR triggers autophagy, a process during which lysosomes purify defective proteins and damaged organelles. These proteins and organelles are then converted into amino acids and sugar for further use in the cell.
Scientists have long assumed that rapamycin affects more than one metabolic pathway. A team of scientists from The University of Michigan discovered that it is TRPML1, a calcium–ion channel on the lysosomal membrane.
Autophagy is closely related to lysosomal activity, contributing to the protection of cells from the effects of aging and the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. And the main calcium channel TRPML1 is of paramount importance for regulating the functions of the lysosome.
"Without this channel, you get neurodegeneration," says Xu Haoxing, the principal investigator. "If you stimulate it, it's anti–neurodegeneration."
Researchers believe that lysosomal TRPML1 can seriously enhance the rejuvenating effect of rapamycin. Their discovery will create a new generation of this drug, which will have a more targeted effect on neurodegenerative diseases.
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