Have scientists found a cellular “master switch” that reverses the aging process?
Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have discovered that a protein called AP2A1 acts as a master switch that controls whether cells behave young or old.
In one study, when scientists reduced the levels of AP2A1 in aged cells, they showed signs of rejuvenation, shrinking to normal size and resuming cell division.
The discovery opens up potential new approaches to treating age-related diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and dementia by targeting “zombie” senescent cells.
