New research could help pave the way for future drugs to counter the effects of aging.
A Queensland team has discovered a new “stress reduction role” for a naturally occurring molecule in the body.
The researchers, from The University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute, found very small RNA molecules, called microRNAs, bind to genes and prevent them from being over-activated.
The study specifically investigated damage to mitochondria – the parts of cells that supply energy to enable muscles to work, neurons to fire and almost every other process occurring in the body.
Molecular geneticist Professor Steven Zuryn said damage to the mitochondria accrued over time and was closely associated with metabolic disorders and diseases of ageing including neurodegeneration, cancer and diabetes, and ageing itself.
“There are also Mitochondrial diseases, which are devastating, passed down through the mother’s side, and which can manifest in young children or adults,” he said.
“MicroRNAs have many different functions, but this is the first time it has been shown that they regulate mitochondrial stress pathways and prevent the spread of stress signals to other cells and tissues throughout the body.
“Essentially, these microRNAs lower chronic stress in the body and protect cells by controlling mitochondrial stress signals.’’
Professor Zuryn said the research implied that highly specific and deliverable microRNAs could be designed to target these genes in humans, reducing the intensity and spread of damaging chronic stress signals.
“We’re not necessarily aiming to develop an anti-ageing drug, but an understanding of the deep underlying mechanisms of these processes may one day lead to this outcome,’’ he said.
The research is published in Nature Communications.
