Caffeine Could Slow Cellular Ageing, New Research Shows How
Caffeine is well-known for providing an alertness boost, but recent research has uncovered its potential benefits for healthy aging. A study conducted by scientists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the Francis Crick Institute in the UK delved into the cellular mechanisms that link caffeine to longevity.
Using fission yeast as a model for human cells, the researchers examined how caffeine doses impacted cell lifespan and resilience to damage. According to biochemist John-Patrick Alao from QMUL, the findings shed light on why caffeine may promote health and longevity, paving the way for future investigations into leveraging these effects through diet, lifestyle changes, or new medications.
Previous studies have revealed that caffeine can influence a biological switch called TOR (target of rapamycin), which regulates cell growth in response to energy levels. In the latest experiments, researchers discovered that caffeine indirectly controls TOR via the AMPK pathway, a cellular fuel gauge that plays a crucial role in cell function and stress resistance.
By influencing AMPK activity, caffeine impacts cell growth, DNA repair, and stress response, resulting in enhanced cellular health and longevity. Geneticist and biologist Charalampos Rallis from QMUL emphasized how caffeine activates AMPK to help cells adapt to energy deficits, underscoring its role in cellular maintenance.
While the study was conducted on yeast cells, the parallels with human cell function suggest potential benefits of caffeine-based drugs for promoting longevity. Metformin, a diabetes medication that also targets AMPK, hints at the promise of such treatments in maintaining overall health.
Although the road to caffeine-based therapies is long, the researchers remain optimistic about uncovering the precise mechanisms underlying caffeine’s interaction with AMPK and TOR. As more studies highlight caffeine’s positive effects on various health outcomes, including weight management, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive health, the potential for leveraging caffeine for longevity remains a compelling area of research.
The research findings have been published in Microbial Cell, offering insights into the cellular pathways through which caffeine may slow down cellular ageing and promote healthier ageing.
