Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have taken a notable step toward understanding the biology of aging. Their study, published in Aging Cell, shows that an ancient enzyme called AMPK can act as a cellular “switch” that, when turned on, extends the lifespan of several model organisms.
How AMPK Works
AMPK functions as a fuel sensor for cells. When energy supplies run low, the enzyme helps cells adapt by boosting energy production, recycling cellular components, and slowing growth. The research team used a laboratory compound known as 991, which binds directly to AMPK and activates it.
Life‑Extension Results in Model Organisms
When 991 was administered to fruit flies, nematode worms and fission yeast, each species lived longer than untreated controls. Crucially, the lifespan‑extending effect disappeared in worms and yeast that lacked functional AMPK, confirming that the benefit depended specifically on AMPK activation.
The scientists also discovered that more activation is not always better. Higher doses of 991 actually shortened lifespan in some experiments, underscoring the importance of finding the correct level of AMPK activity.
Early Mouse Findings
To explore whether the findings might translate to mammals, the researchers gave 991 to mice for three weeks. While the mice showed clear signs that AMPK was activated, the short‑term study did not demonstrate a measurable increase in lifespan. However, the observed changes aligned with processes linked to longevity, suggesting that longer‑term experiments could reveal whether direct AMPK activation can improve healthspan and possibly extend mammalian lifespan.
Expert Caution
Charalampos Rallis, a reader in genetics, genomics and fundamental cell biology at Queen Mary and co‑author of the study, emphasized the need for caution. “When a cell runs low on energy, AMPK is what kicks in to help it cope,” he said. “We have known for years that this switch is connected to aging. What we did not have was a drug clean enough to test the idea properly, and with 991 we finally did.” He added, “I would not want anyone to reach for a supplement on the back of this. Too much of the drug shortened life in our experiments. This is a switch that must be set correctly, not jammed on.”
Implications for Future Research
The collaborative effort brought together scientists from Queen Mary University of London, the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, the University of Cologne, the Francis Crick Institute and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. The team believes their findings lay a solid foundation for further investigation into whether directly targeting AMPK could eventually contribute to interventions designed not only to extend lifespan but also to keep people healthier for longer.
While the research is still in early stages, it adds to a growing body of evidence that metabolic pathways play a central role in aging. As scientists continue to explore AMPK and related mechanisms, the prospect of safe, targeted therapies that promote healthy longevity becomes increasingly plausible.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
