Key points from article :
AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) is an enzyme that acts as a metabolic master switch.
It is activated in response to low cellular energy levels (e.g. during exercise or caloric restriction).
Activating AMPK in animal models leads to notable increases in lifespan.
Enzyme called VRK-1 discovered in C. elegans that works in tandem with AMPK.
AMPK activity linked to VRK-1 activity.
Same mechanism seems to occur in human cells in vitro.
Possible the lifespan-extending results may be replicated in human subjects.
"Perhaps we can start developing longevity-promoting drugs that alter the activity of VRK-1” explains Seung-Jae V. Lee - lead researcher.
Researcher by KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) published in Science Advances.
