Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery regarding the acceleration of aging in humans, shedding light on the role of a specific protein found in human cells.
This provides fresh insights into the mechanisms underlying the aging process, with particular emphasis on the significance of PAPPA.
An elderly person closes his shutters to keep cool and to avoid heatstroke during the heatwave on June 25, 2019 in Clermont-Ferrand. Forecasters say Europeans will feel sizzling heat this week with temperatures soaring as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in an "unprecedented" June heatwave hitting much of Western Europe. (Photo: THIERRY ZOCCOLAN/AFP via Getty Images)
PAPPA's Role in Aging Mechanisms
Scientists have unveiled a significant revelation regarding the role of a protein named PAPPA, short for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, in the aging process.
South China Morning Post reported that this discovery suggests that an elevated presence of PAPPA, which is further stimulated by a group of signaling proteins called sirtuins, acts as a "common driver" of aging across various human cell types.
Liu Guanghui, Qu Jing, and Zhang Weiqi led the study, which was spearheaded by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Zoology and the Beijing Institute of Genomics.
While the influence of PAPPA on aging has long been debated, this research has now confirmed that PAPPA does not operate independently but is instead propelled by sirtuins.
Sirtuin proteins, essential for regulating metabolism and cellular functions, play a vital role in aging. Collectively known as SIRT1-7, these proteins are crucial for maintaining cellular health.
Moreover, the research revealed that a deficiency in any of the seven sirtuins can accelerate cellular aging. When one sirtuin is absent, it creates conditions for PAPPA to act. Consequently, abnormal gene expression occurs, leading to cellular senescence, where cells cease to divide.
This study offers fresh insights into the aging mechanism, particularly emphasizing the significance of PAPPA. Initially identified among proteins with elevated levels in the plasma of pregnant women, PAPPA's function remained a mystery for decades.
Unveiling Insights into Stem Cell Senescence
Researchers noted significantly elevated levels of PAPPA in the plasma of older individuals compared to younger ones. This finding led to the suggestion that this protein could potentially serve as a biomarker for human aging.
Scientists have been investigating sirtuins, particularly exploring whether calorie restriction affects slowing down the aging process.
The academy highlighted the scarcity of systematic comparative studies on the biological functions of both PAPPA and sirtuins. Understanding how these proteins collaborate is essential for gaining deeper insights into their mechanisms.
Spotlighted in the esteemed peer-reviewed journal Developmental Cell, scientists have unveiled fresh insights into the mechanism of human stem cell senescence, shedding light on potential avenues for assessing and intervening in the aging process.
Exploring the intricate 3D chromatin architecture, researchers established connections between sirtuins and potential target genes, aiming to inform the development of strategies for intervening in aging.
In a parallel study last November, the academy embarked on another research endeavor focused on aging, uncovering a unique cluster of cells enveloping motor neurons in the spinal cord, which may hasten the aging process.
