Key points from article :
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, including Professor Lene Juel Rasmussen, have discovered a protein called OSER1 that plays a significant role in regulating lifespan across species, from fruit flies to humans. This protein is controlled by the longevity-linked transcription factor FOXO, and its presence is crucial for improving resistance to oxidative stress and maintaining cellular health, which impacts ageing.
The team identified OSER1 by screening proteins shared across multiple species, ensuring the results are relevant to humans. By manipulating the expression of OSER1, they observed changes in lifespan, indicating its importance in human ageing. The discovery marks the first study highlighting OSER1's function as a key longevity regulator.
Future research will focus on how OSER1 influences age-related diseases like cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. The hope is that this breakthrough will lead to new therapies targeting these diseases, improving human health and longevity. OSER1 could also help clarify the molecular mechanisms behind ageing and open up avenues for drug development.
