Scientists discover protein that causes ageing

Summary

Singapore scientists are exploring the potential of a protein, Interleukin 11 (IL-11), as a key driver of aging. Assistant Professor Anaaya from Duke NUS Medical School discusses the serendipitous discovery of IL-11's role in muscle and strength loss, tissue scarring, and inflammation associated with aging. The team's findings suggest that blocking IL-11 could extend healthy lifespans. They are currently seeking funding for clinical trials in Singapore, with the hope that anti-IL-11 therapy could counter aging effects observed in mice, potentially translating to human benefits.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Singapore scientists are initiating clinical trials focused on slowing muscle and strength loss associated with aging.
• 🔬 A protein called Interlukin 11 (IL1) has been identified as a key driver of aging, and blocking it could potentially extend healthy lifespans.
• 🤔 Assistant Professor Anaaya from Duke N US Medical School discusses the role of IL1, emphasizing that it's not about achieving immortality but understanding the aging process.
• 💡 The discovery of IL1's role in aging was serendipitous, stemming from a study on heart conditions that revealed IL1 levels increased with age.
• 🧠 Aging is characterized by tissue scarring, inflammation, and a decline in the body's ability to heal, repair, and regenerate, all of which are influenced by IL1.
• 💪 The team found that organs produce increasing levels of IL1, which reduces muscle mass and strength and increases fat accumulation in the liver and abdomen.
• 🐭 Anti-IL1 therapy, an antibody drug, is being tested in mouse models to block IL1 and counter aging by turning off the switches that control aging processes.
• 🏥 Clinical trials for anti-IL1 therapy are underway, but they are currently focused on fibrotic lung disease, cancer immunotherapy, and eye disease, not aging.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Lifestyle changes such as exercise, strength training, and a healthy diet are recommended to reduce aging symptoms, but molecular changes are more effective in slowing the process.
• 💼 Professor Anaaya and her team are seeking funding and partners for a clinical trial focused on aging, aiming to demonstrate the potential of anti-IL1 therapy in humans.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the clinical trials that Singapore scientists are hoping to start?

The clinical trials aim to find a way to slow muscle and strength loss as we age.

What is the protein Interlukin 11 (IL-11), and how does it relate to aging according to the research?

Interlukin 11 (IL-11) is a protein that has been discovered to cause aging. Blocking this protein could potentially increase healthy lifespans.

How does Assistant Professor Anaaya define 'immortality' in the context of the research?

Assistant Professor Anaaya does not believe in immortality, stating that humans are mortal and aging is driven by a set of switches that become more active as we get older, with IL-11 being one of them.

How did the research team discover the role of IL-11 as a key driver of aging?

The discovery was made serendipitously in 2017 when the team received samples meant for another study and found that IL-11 levels were elevated with increasing age.

What are the effects of IL-11 on the body that are associated with aging?

IL-11 causes tissue scarring, inflammation, and a decline in the body's ability to repair and regenerate, which are all associated with aging.

How do increasing levels of IL-11 affect muscle mass and strength, and fat accumulation in the body?

Increasing levels of IL-11 reduce muscle mass and strength and increase fat accumulation in the liver and abdomen, which are symptoms related to aging.

What is the NTI IL-11 therapy, and how does it work to counter aging?

NTI IL-11 therapy is an antibody drug that binds specifically to IL-11 and blocks its action, potentially turning off the switches that drive aging and allowing cells to regain their function.

What are the current applications of anti-IL-11 therapies, and are they available for the general public?

Anti-IL-11 therapies are currently in clinical trials for fibrotic lung disease, cancer immunotherapy, and eye disease, but they are not yet available for the general public for aging.

How effective are lifestyle changes like healthy diets and exercises in reducing aging symptoms compared to molecular interventions?

Lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet are beneficial, but Assistant Professor Anaaya emphasizes the need for discipline and compliance. Molecular interventions like anti-IL-11 therapy have shown improvements in aging features in mice.

What are the plans for the clinical trial, and what is the hope for its outcome?

The team is raising funds and seeking partners, including pharmaceutical companies, to conduct a clinical trial for aging within Singapore, with the hope that anti-IL-11 therapy will prove effective in humans.

What is the significance of the relationship between the effects of IL-11 in human and mouse cells for the potential success of anti-IL-11 therapy in humans?

The one-to-one relationship between the effects of IL-11 in human and mouse cells suggests a high likelihood that anti-IL-11 therapy, which has shown positive results in mice, will also work in humans.