A group of scientists may have discovered something very similar to a kind of switch to reverse aging. Telomerase, a protein that our body produces naturally, could be the key to unlocking the secret to longevity. I'll explain briefly: if you want to learn more, I link you here the study published in the journal Cell.
Telomerase: the molecular superhero we didn't know we had
It doesn't wear a cape, doesn't fly and has no visible superpowers, but this tiny molecule could take a serious beating in the face of aging like no other before. And no, I'm not exaggerating (ok, maybe a little).
The researchers found that by increasing telomerase levels in aged mice, they regained the muscle strength of their youth. Basically, it's as if they found the fountain of youth in a test tube. And there's more. Telomerase wasn't content with pumping up the muscles of our rodent friends. It took a leap into their brains and also produced a new proliferation of brain cells in the hippocampus, the area crucial for memory. Also healthy mens, healthy bodies. Need anything else?
Given the strength of the preclinical data, it is my opinion that there is justification for pursuing this study.
Ronald DePinho, first author of the study, professor at the University of Texas
What does the TERT study consist of?
In 2010, DePinho's team conducted a fundamental experiment which laid the foundation for this groundbreaking research on telomerase. By deactivating the TERT gene in mice, scientists observed premature aging in the animals. But the real surprise came when they reactivated the gene: instead of a simple halt in aging, they witnessed actual cellular rejuvenation throughout the mice's bodies. This unexpected result has opened new perspectives in anti-aging research.
These promising results prompted researchers to look for drug-like substances that could increase TERT levels in cells. After examining as many as 653.000 compounds, they identified a particularly powerful molecule, which they named TAC (TERT-activating compound).
In laboratory tests, TAC has been shown to increase the amount of TERT and significantly lengthen telomeres. These results, obtained both in vitro and in vivo, open new avenues in research on longevity and in the treatment of age-related diseases.
Because it is very important
To understand the importance of this discovery, we need to take a step back and understand the role of telomerase in our bodies. This protein is responsible for maintaining telomeres, those structures that protect the ends of our chromosomes. As we age, telomeres shorten, leading to various signs of aging.
I would compare telomerase to the "caps" (I don't know what they are called) found at the ends of our shoelaces. Without them, everything falls apart and goes to waste.
This protein acts as a “restorer” of telomeres, helping to keep them long and healthy. A super efficient worker who fixes everything. A process that could potentially slow down or even reverse some aspects of cellular aging.
The fountain of youth in a pill? Calm.
Before you run to the pharmacy asking for a 12-pack of telomerase, calm down. For now, this “magic” only works on mice. But don't despair: researchers are working hard to bring this molecular wonder to us humans too. The next step will be to develop and test safe and effective compounds that can activate telomerase in us. If these studies are successful, we could see a revolution in the field of anti-aging medicine. And at ethical reflections we'll think about it later (but better prepare).
If all goes according to plan, we could see the first human tests in a few years. Is it a crime to dream of a world where grandparents beat their grandchildren at arm wrestling, octogenarians do parkour and “old” becomes just an adjective to describe cheese? A world where you can take a pill and feel like you're still 20, but without acne and posters to regret.
