Manganese Overload As A Previously Underappreciated Trigger Of Cellular Senescence: Unraveling Mechanisms And Therapeutic Rescue By The Senolytic Quercetin
Our bodies rely on a delicate balance of elements, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be harmful. Recent research sheds light on how an overload of manganese, an essential mineral, can cause our cells to age prematurely, a process known as cellular senescence. These “zombie-like” cells stop dividing and can release harmful signals, contributing to various age-related diseases.
The study reveals that when manganese levels become too high, it activates a specific internal alarm system within cells called the cGAS-STING pathway. This activation leads to a surge in harmful stress from unstable molecules, ultimately causing cells to die in different ways. Essentially, the cells become overwhelmed and start to break down, showing classic signs of aging like reduced ability to grow and increased markers of senescence.
However, there’s good news. The natural compound quercetin, found in many fruits and vegetables like onions and apples, has shown promise in counteracting these effects. Quercetin was found to alleviate the signs of premature aging in cells, reducing the levels of aging-related proteins and inflammatory signals. It also boosted the activity of a protective protein called SIRT1, which is known to play a role in cell health and longevity. This discovery suggests that quercetin could be a valuable tool in developing new strategies to combat the cellular aging triggered by manganese overload and potentially other forms of cellular stress.
Source: link to paper