Researchers led by Professor An Xu at the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered what is called a magnetotactic bacterium (Mtb). magnetic magnetospirilla AMB-1 may extend healthy lifespan Caenorhabditis elegans Sample. The team also identified the main mechanism behind the effect – suppression of a type of cell death called ferroptosis.
The findings were published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine.
Magnetic bacteria and healthy aging
Aging gradually reduces normal physical functioning and increases the risk of many chronic diseases. Researchers have explored drugs and genetic approaches as potential anti-aging strategies, but questions remain about safety and practical clinical use.
Magnetotactic bacteria (Mtb) offer a very different approach. These microorganisms contain special structures called magnetosomes and have shown good biocompatibility. They have already attracted attention for potential uses including drug delivery and cancer treatment, but there has been little study on their potential impact on aging.
To investigate that question, researchers tested the Mtb strain AMB-1 C. elegansA widely used model organism for aging research.
Lifespan increased by more than 43%
Worms treated with AMB-1 lived much longer. Their average lifespan increased by 43.39%, and the treatment also helped preserve neurological function and intestinal integrity in the older worms.
The team then investigated whether magnetosome production was important for this effect. Their results indicated that the ability to produce magnetosomes played a major role in extending lifespan.
Wild-type AmB-1 conversely produced a stronger longevity effect than non-magnetotactic RNM-AmB-1. In contrast, non-magnetotactic NM-AMB-1 did not extend lifetime.
Preventing forms of cell death associated with aging
Further experiments provided clues about how AmB-1 produces its effects. The bacteria reduced iron formation and reduced lipid peroxidation in insects, thereby altering aging-associated ferroptosis.
Ferroptosis is a form of cell death associated with iron accumulation within cells and oxidative damage to fat. Genetic analysis revealed that AMB-1-mediated lifespan regulation involved several ferroptosis-related pathways, including genes ftn-1, stay-3And Advertisement-1.
According to the researchers, the findings establish a new microbial strategy for anti-aging intervention and provide foundational evidence that may support the widespread use of Mtb in geriatric medicine.
(tagstotranslate)Pharmacology; cancer; Diseases and conditions; alternative medicine; new species; bacteria; Agriculture and Food; wild animals