Can We Reverse Aging at the Cellular Level?

As we age, the function of various cells in the human body decreases. As a result, the skin gradually wrinkles and the functioning of various organs slows down. And so, scientists have been researching for a long time to prevent aging in the human body. Now, a group of scientists from Osaka University in Japan have discovered a protein in the human body, which can prevent aging in the body and repair various damage caused by aging.

Scientists claim that a protein called AP2A1 can turn back the body’s biological clock. As a result, it is possible to repair and restore various damage caused by aging. Therefore, this protein may create an opportunity to prevent aging in humans as well as reduce age.

   

In general, as the human body ages, cells begin to age. Scientists call these cells senescent cells. They gradually stop dividing and their function. These cells are also called zombie cells. The cells do not die; instead, they continue to grow.

They produce various inflammatory chemicals that contribute to the development of age-related diseases. However, it is possible to turn senescent cells into young and healthy cells by reducing the amount of the AP2A1 protein. In theory, scientists want to reverse the aging process at the cellular level and cure age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s or arthritis.

“We still don’t know how senescent cells maintain their large size,” said Osaka University scientist Pirawan Chantachotikul. “There is an opportunity to activate the cells by removing proteins from these cells. When the amount of this protein is reduced, the cells return to their normal size, begin to divide again, and show signs of youth.”