Photo by Sangharsh Lohakare on Unsplash
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — In the never-ending quest to unlock the secrets of a long and healthy life, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a remarkable discovery. Their study has identified a specific gene that plays a crucial role in extending longevity across various species, including humans.
Publishing their work in the journal Cell Reports, researchers say the gene in question is called OSER1, and it encodes a protein that the team has dubbed a “novel pro-longevity factor.”
“We identified this protein that can extend longevity. It is a novel pro-longevity factor, and it is a protein that exists in various animals, such as fruit flies, nematodes, silkworms, and in humans,” says Professor Lene Juel Rasmussen, the senior author behind the study, in a media release.
The researchers arrived at this discovery by studying a larger group of proteins regulated by the FOXO transcription factor, which is known as a key regulator of longevity.
“We found 10 genes that, when – we manipulated their expression – longevity changed. We decided to focus on one of these genes that affected longevity most, called the OSER1 gene,” adds Zhiquan Li, the first author of the study.
The fact that OSER1 is present in a wide range of animal species, including humans, is crucial.
“If the gene only exists in animal models, it can be hard to translate to human health, which is why we, in the beginning, screened the potential longevity proteins that exist in many organisms, including humans. Because at the end of the day we are interested in identifying human longevity genes for possible interventions and drug discoveries,” Li explains.
“We found 10 genes that, when – we manipulated their expression – longevity changed,” researchers say. (© JenkoAtaman – stock.adobe.com)
This discovery paves the way for new treatments and therapies aimed at targeting age-related diseases.
“We are currently focused on uncovering the role of OSER1 in humans, but the lack of existing literature presents a challenge, as very little has been published on this topic to date. This study is the first to demonstrate that OSER1 is a significant regulator of aging and longevity. In the future, we hope to provide insights into the specific age-related diseases and aging processes that OSER1 influences,” says Zhiquan Li.
The researchers are optimistic that the identification and characterization of OSER1 will lead to the development of new drug targets for a variety of age-related conditions, such as metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
“Thus, the discovery of this new pro-longevity factor allows us to understand longevity in humans better,” Li concludes.
As the world’s population continues to age, the implications of this groundbreaking research cannot be overstated. The potential to extend lifespan and delay the onset of age-related diseases could have a profound impact on global health and quality of life. While more research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms behind OSER1’s role in longevity, this study represents a significant step forward in our quest to unlock the secrets of a long and healthy life.
Paper Summary
Methodology
In this study, researchers explored how the FOXO-regulated gene OSER1 impacts oxidative stress and extends lifespan across different species, including silkworms, nematodes, and flies. The team used genetic techniques to either increase or decrease the levels of OSER1 in these organisms. They observed how the changes affected their ability to handle environmental stressors like heat, starvation, and oxidative stress.
Additionally, they looked at the effects of OSER1 on human cells to see if similar patterns emerged, especially in response to oxidative stress. This multi-species approach allowed the team to understand the role of OSER1 in aging and longevity.
Key Results
The results showed that when OSER1 levels were increased, the lifespan of flies, silkworms, and nematodes grew longer. These organisms also became more resilient to stressful conditions like heat, hunger, and oxidative damage.
On the flip side, lowering OSER1 made them more vulnerable to these stressors and shortened their lifespans. In humans, OSER1 also appears to help cells manage oxidative stress, which is thought to be a key factor in aging. The research suggests that OSER1 may play a significant role in promoting longer, healthier lives across different species.
Study Limitations
The research was mostly conducted on non-human species, such as silkworms and nematodes, which may not perfectly mirror human biology. The human cell data is promising, but it’s still not conclusive. More research is needed to fully understand how OSER1 works in humans and whether the same life-extending effects seen in flies and nematodes could apply to people. Additionally, the study doesn’t yet clarify how OSER1 interacts with other genes involved in aging, which could be crucial for translating these findings to human health.
Discussion & Takeaways
The study suggests that OSER1 is a critical gene that helps organisms live longer and handle stress better by reducing oxidative damage. This opens up new avenues for studying how to promote healthy aging in humans. By understanding how OSER1 works, researchers may be able to develop therapies that mimic its effects, potentially slowing down the aging process or helping to combat age-related diseases. The discovery that OSER1 is conserved across species further strengthens the idea that it plays a fundamental role in longevity.
Funding & Disclosures
The study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, China, and the Funds of China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA. Rasmussen also discloses receiving financial support from the Nordea-Fonden and Novo Nordisk Foundation.