Scientists find ‘switch' to potentially unlock longer lifespans

Key Points:

• Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and collaborators have discovered that activating the enzyme AMPK can extend lifespan in fruit flies, nematode worms, and fission yeast by helping cells adapt to low energy levels.
• The study used a compound called 991 to directly activate AMPK, demonstrating that lifespan extension depends specifically on AMPK activation; however, excessively high doses of 991 shortened lifespan, indicating the importance of precise regulation.
• While short-term treatment with 991 in mice showed signs of AMPK activation and longevity-related processes, no lifespan extension was observed, suggesting that longer-term studies are needed to assess effects in mammals.
• The findings highlight AMPK as a promising target for future research into longevity and healthy aging, but researchers caution against premature use of AMPK-activating supplements due to potential risks.
• The study, published in Aging Cell, involved a multidisciplinary team from multiple institutions and lays the groundwork for developing interventions aimed at extending healthspan as well as lifespan.