KLF protein and aging
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University Medical School and University Clinic systems, working under the guidance of Professor Mukesh K. Jain, have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism regulating life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in roundworms and mammals.
In experiments on Caenorhabditis elegans roundworms, they demonstrated that artificially increasing or decreasing the concentration of proteins of the Kruppel-like transcription factors or KLF family allows shortening or lengthening the life of worms. So it turned out that individuals with elevated levels of these proteins live and maintain good health longer than ordinary worms.
Survival of experimental worms in the experiment
In addition, it was found that the increased content of KLF proteins in the body of mice slows down the age-related extinction of the functionality of blood vessels.
Further experiments have shown that KLF family proteins exert their effect by regulating autophagy – the process of splitting and reusing cellular debris, such as abnormally folded protein molecules and by-products of normal cell activity that accumulate with age. The loss of this quality control mechanism is a characteristic manifestation of aging.
In the near future, researchers plan to study in more detail the mechanisms underlying the positive effect of autophagy in vascular wall cells on the functions of blood vessels. They are also going to search for possible strategies for influencing KLF proteins in the human body.
The authors note that the dysfunction of blood vessels makes a serious contribution to the development of many age-related pathologies, such as hypertension, diseases of the cardiovascular system and dementia. And the data they obtained shed light on what happens to the vessels in old age and can help in the development of interventions that slow down these processes.
Article by Paishiun N. Hsieh et al. A conserved KLF-autophagy pathway modulates nematode lifespan and mammalian age-associated vascular dysfunction published in the journal Nature Communications.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine: Worms Reveal Secrets of Aging.