This discovery could dramatically extend our lifespan ⏳

Mammals live for varying lengths of time depending on the species: some barely survive a few years, while others live over 100. A new study seeks to understand why.

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University in Israel developed a computer program called PHARAOH to study 107 mammal species. They focused on small changes that occur in proteins after they are produced in the body. These modifications, such as acetylation, may help cells function better and potentially age more gracefully.


The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that some of these modifications are more common in long-lived animals. This could help explain how certain species remain healthy well into old age.

For example, large animals like whales rarely develop cancer despite having an enormous number of cells. Scientists found that specific protein modifications might strengthen these animals' defenses against disease.

This discovery could lead to new treatments for maintaining health in old age. By better understanding how these proteins work, we might significantly slow aging and prevent certain illnesses.

Researchers tested some hypotheses in the lab and confirmed the importance of these modifications. This paves the way for future therapies to extend healthy lifespans.

The study was funded by the SAGOL network, which supports aging research. Scientists will now continue exploring how these findings could benefit humans.

What is a post-translational modification?

A post-translational modification (PTM) is a small chemical change that occurs in a protein shortly after its creation. This alteration can influence how the protein functions or moves within the cell.

There are several types of PTMs, such as acetylation, phosphorylation, or ubiquitination. Each of these modifications can alter a protein's role in the body.

These changes are essential for the body to respond to stress, repair damaged DNA, or eliminate aging cells. By studying them, scientists can better understand how the body ages.

A deeper knowledge of PTMs could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases. This might transform aspects of modern medicine.