Why do we grow old? Many scientists try to unravel the entire succession of processes that begin in the cell and lead to the progressive deterioration of tissues and organs. An article published in Science has found very long-lived proteins that could explain part of the mystery.
While most of the body's proteins are continually replaced, so that their half-life is no longer than two days, the so-called ELLPs ( extremely long-lived proteins ) are not replaced and are as long-lived as the organism itself. These molecules are distributed on the surface of the nucleus of cells, a structure that houses DNA, and they control the substances that enter and leave it.
ELLPs deteriorate over time, and it seems that their "old age" is making them less selective. In this way, many toxins can seep into the nucleus and degrade DNA, the alterations of which are what, ultimately, cause the aging process of cells, tissues and organs.
The work, carried out by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (USA), could help scientists better understand the molecular origins of some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
