Perturbation Of NAD(P)H Metabolism With The LbNOX Xenotopic Tool Extends Lifespan And Mitigates Age-Related Changes
Our bodies undergo many changes as we age, including shifts in how our cells manage energy. A key molecule involved in this energy management is called NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which exists in two forms: NAD+ and NADH. As we get older, the balance of these forms can become disrupted, contributing to the aging process. While some approaches try to boost overall NAD levels, they don’t always address specific needs in different parts of the body.
Researchers have developed a new genetic tool, essentially a specially engineered enzyme, to precisely control this energy balance. This tool, called LbNOX, was introduced into fruit flies, a common model organism for studying aging. LbNOX works by converting NADH back into NAD+, effectively rebalancing the cellular energy system.
The results were quite remarkable. The flies with this modified energy metabolism showed a longer lifespan. Beyond just living longer, they also experienced a reversal of several age-related issues. For instance, the tool helped protect brain cells from damage and improved the flies’ ability to handle stress from their environment. Interestingly, it even restored youthful sleep patterns in older flies. The study also revealed that targeting this energy rebalancing in specific tissues, like muscles, could be more effective for certain benefits than altering the entire body’s metabolism. These findings offer exciting new insights into how we might develop more targeted strategies to combat aging and age-related conditions in the future.
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