Breakthrough in Anti-Aging: Korean Scientists Discover Lifespan-Extending Drug

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Chung-Ang University in Korea have identified a drug, IU1, that shows promise in extending lifespan and alleviating age-related muscle weakness, SciTech Daily revealed yesterday.

Published in the journal Autophagy, the research highlights the critical role of protein quality control systems, specifically proteasomes and autophagy, which decline with age.

Aging disrupts protein homeostasis, leading to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The study utilized fruit flies (Drosophila) as a model, taking advantage of their short lifespan and similarity to human muscle deterioration. The team, led by Professor Seogang Hyun, discovered that IU1 enhances the activity of proteasomes and autophagy by inhibiting ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14), resulting in improved muscle function and extended lifespan in the flies.

These findings are significant for the development of new anti-aging therapies. “Reduced protein homeostasis is a major characteristic of degenerative diseases,” Prof. Hyun stated. The research paves the way for potential treatments that could improve the quality of life for older adults, offering hope in the ongoing battle against age-related health issues.