🔬TODAY’S BREAKTHROUGH
A new study has uncovered a pathway that directly links aging to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease and ALS. Researchers found that an age-associated factor, EPS8, promotes the accumulation of pathological protein aggregates.
The Discovery:
Scientists discovered that age-related hyperactivation of the EPS8/RAC signaling pathway in both a worm model and human cells drives the pathological protein aggregation characteristic of Huntington's disease and ALS. The study also identified a key enzyme, USP4, that regulates the accumulation of the EPS8 protein, providing a direct link between aging and these devastating diseases.
The Science:
The study found that as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) ages, a loss of ubiquitination in the EPS8 protein causes it to accumulate.
This accumulation of EPS8 hyperactivates RAC signaling, which in turn promotes protein aggregation and leads to a decline in neuronal function.
Researchers demonstrated that knocking down either EPS8 or its regulatory enzyme, USP4, in worms not only prevented protein aggregation and neurodegeneration but also extended their longevity.
The effects were also conserved in human cell models, where inhibiting EPS8 signaling reduced protein aggregation and neurodegeneration.
Your Action:
While this is a foundational study in model organisms and human cells, it offers valuable insight into the link between aging and neurodegeneration. The findings suggest that targeting pathways like EPS8/RAC could be a future therapeutic strategy. Support your brain health by maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Bottom Line:
This research uncovers a new pathway that directly links the aging process to neurodegeneration, offering a novel target for therapeutic intervention.
Source:
The aging factor EPS8 induces disease-related protein aggregation through RAC signaling hyperactivation, Nature Aging, Seda Koyuncu, et al.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-00943-w
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.