Key points from article :
Reducing naturally occurring errors in protein synthesis improves both health and lifespan.
"Mistakes in proteins are much more frequent than DNA mutations," - Ivana Bjedov, lead author.
Scientists investigated a mutation, RPS23 K60R, in the ribosomes of hyperthermophilic Archaea.
Engineered a ribosome with identical mutation and replicated its effect on protein synthesis in yeast, worms and fruit flies.
Organisms' proteins had fewer errors, as a result, became heat resistant and lived longer.
Rapamycin, torin and trametinib, known as anti-ageing drugs, can also reduce mistakes in proteins.
Cell's ability to sense nutrients can have a similar effect as calorie restriction, a known pro-longevity treatment.
"We expect our results to be extended to mammals, which could potentially lead to treatments for improved health in the elderly," - Filipe Cabreiro, Co-corresponding author .
Study by UCL and MRC published in Cell Metabolism.
