Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and several other leading scientific institutions have found that the protein PELOTA, which is involved in RNA quality control, can slow down aging and extend lifespan.

This discovery opens up new prospects in gerontology (aging) and therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

The findings of this study were published in the journal PNAS.

PELOTA plays an important role in the RNA quality control mechanism, helping cells eliminate defective mRNA molecules and prevent their negative effects on the body.

The role of RNA in aging has been studied only partially, but the new study shows that PELOTA is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis and slowing the aging process.

In experiments with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which is widely used in aging studies, the researchers found that overexpression of PELOTA considerably increase the lifespan of these organisms, indicating that ribosomal RNA quality control mechanisms play an important role in maintaining longevity.

The study showed that PELOTA regulates two major pathways: mTOR, which is responsible for cell growth and metabolism; and autophagy, the process of clearing cells of damaged components. In the case of PELOTA deficiency, mTOR is overactivated and autophagy is suppressed, and this accelerates aging. In contrast, activation of PELOTA inhibits mTOR and promotes autophagy, maintaining cellular balance and extending life.

This discovery opens new horizons for developing therapeutic methods aimed at slowing aging and treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Understanding the role of PELOTA in maintaining cellular homeostasis may lead to the development of drugs that activate this protein, which in turn could slow down age-related changes and improve quality of life.