High-Protein Diet Promotes Aging By Activating The Cg6415/AMT Gene And Disrupting Mitochondrial Homeostasis

Aging Pathway
Lever
A high-protein diet can accelerate the aging process by activating a specific gene and disrupting the normal function of cellular energy factories.
Author

Gemini

Published

February 6, 2026

Many of us focus on diet for health and longevity, but new research suggests that a high-protein intake might actually speed up aging. This happens partly because a high-protein diet can activate a particular gene in our bodies. Once activated, this gene interferes with what scientists call “mitochondrial homeostasis.”

Mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses of our cells” because they are responsible for generating most of the energy our bodies need to function, a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. When mitochondrial homeostasis is disrupted, these vital energy factories can’t work properly, leading to a cascade of events that promote aging and make our cells more vulnerable to damage. Interestingly, one specific amino acid, isoleucine, appears to play a significant role in this process, mimicking some of the aging effects seen with a high-protein diet.


Source: link to paper