Published , Modified Abstract on Loss of Menin Helps Drive the Aging Process, and Dietary Supplement Can Reverse It in Mice Original source
Loss of Menin Helps Drive the Aging Process, and Dietary Supplement Can Reverse It in Mice
Aging is a natural process that affects all living organisms. As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can lead to a decline in physical and cognitive abilities. While aging is inevitable, researchers are constantly looking for ways to slow down or reverse the aging process. Recently, a study has found that the loss of Menin, a protein-coding gene, can contribute to the aging process. However, the good news is that a dietary supplement can help reverse this process in mice.
What is Menin?
Menin is a protein-coding gene that plays an essential role in regulating cell growth and division. It is involved in various cellular processes, including DNA repair, transcriptional regulation, and apoptosis. Menin also acts as a tumor suppressor by preventing the growth of cancer cells.
The Study
Researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) conducted a study to investigate the role of Menin in aging. They used genetically modified mice that lacked Menin in their fat cells and compared them to normal mice.
The researchers found that the mice without Menin had shorter lifespans and showed signs of premature aging. They also had reduced insulin sensitivity, increased inflammation, and impaired mitochondrial function.
The Role of Menin in Aging
The researchers discovered that Menin plays a crucial role in regulating cellular senescence. Cellular senescence is a process where cells stop dividing and enter a state of permanent growth arrest. This process is essential for preventing damaged cells from becoming cancerous.
However, as we age, more cells become senescent, leading to tissue dysfunction and inflammation. The loss of Menin accelerates this process by promoting cellular senescence.
The Dietary Supplement
The researchers also investigated whether a dietary supplement could reverse the effects of Menin loss on aging. They gave the mice a compound called NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), which is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
NAD+ is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy production. As we age, the levels of NAD+ decline, leading to impaired mitochondrial function and cellular senescence.
The researchers found that NMN supplementation improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and restored mitochondrial function in the mice without Menin. They also had longer lifespans and showed fewer signs of aging.
Conclusion
The loss of Menin can contribute to the aging process by promoting cellular senescence. However, a dietary supplement called NMN can help reverse these effects in mice. While this study is promising, more research is needed to determine whether NMN supplementation can have similar effects in humans.
FAQs
Q: What is Menin?
A: Menin is a protein-coding gene that plays an essential role in regulating cell growth and division.
Q: What is cellular senescence?
A: Cellular senescence is a process where cells stop dividing and enter a state of permanent growth arrest.
Q: What is NMN?
A: NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a dietary supplement that is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
Q: What is NAD+?
A: NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy production.
Q: Can NMN supplementation reverse the effects of Menin loss in humans?
A: More research is needed to determine whether NMN supplementation can have similar effects in humans.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.