A team of Japanese scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding the mechanisms of aging by discovering that boosting the function of a specific mitochondrial protein can not only extend lifespan but also help preserve health in old age. Mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of the cell, lose efficiency as we age, which is linked to the development of various chronic diseases. However, new research shows that maintaining their activity can significantly slow down the aging process.
The focus was on the COX7RP protein, which, as specialists from Saitama University and Chiba University discovered, plays a key role in forming the so-called supercomplexes inside mitochondria. These structures enable cells to produce energy more efficiently while at the same time reducing the levels of harmful oxidative compounds.
Experiment on mice
During the experiment, scientists created a line of laboratory mice with artificially increased levels of the COX7RP protein. The results were impressive: the average lifespan of these animals increased by 6.6% compared to the control group. In addition, they showed signs of slower aging—mice retained physical activity for a longer time, handled stress better, and were less likely to suffer from age-related metabolic disorders.
Researchers note that the test animals showed improved glucose uptake, lower levels of fatty acids in the blood, and maintained high muscle endurance even at an advanced age. Tissue analysis revealed that the mitochondria in these mice functioned more efficiently, and the number of supercomplexes was significantly higher than in ordinary mice.
Molecular mechanisms
According to gerontologist Satoshi Inoue, the COX7RP protein facilitates the assembly of supercomplexes, which not only boosts energy production but also reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species—molecules that cause cellular damage and accelerate aging. This discovery offers a new perspective on the processes underlying age-related changes in the body.
Scientists emphasize that most previous research focused on shortening lifespan under disease conditions, while their work is the first to demonstrate the possibility of extending lifespan and health in normal, pathology-free conditions. This is particularly important against the backdrop of global population aging and the rising incidence of age-related diseases.
Impact on health
In this context, the concept of ‘health’ refers not just to the absence of disease, but to the ability to maintain physical and mental activity, independence, and a high quality of life into old age. Mitochondria, as it turns out, play a central role in this process. Dysfunction in their operation is linked to the development of dementia, obesity, and other chronic conditions.
The experiment recorded improvements across several molecular markers of aging. This confirms that maintaining mitochondrial activity could be key to preventing age-related diseases and extending lifespan. The researchers believe their discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity.
Medical prospects
The authors are confident that drugs or supplements capable of enhancing the assembly and function of mitochondrial supercomplexes could form the basis for new anti-aging strategies. However, all data so far have only been obtained in mice, and further research will be required to confirm effectiveness in humans.
Nevertheless, the discovery by Japanese scientists has already generated significant interest in the scientific community. It opens new avenues for developing therapies that could not only extend life but also preserve health in old age—an especially relevant goal for modern societies facing a growing proportion of elderly citizens.
In case you didn’t know, Professor Satoshi Inoue is one of Japan’s leading experts in gerontology. He heads a research group at Saitama University studying the molecular mechanisms of aging and developing life-extension methods. His work has received multiple scientific awards, and his publications regularly appear in top international journals on the biology of aging.
