Gut Stem Cell Aging and Malnutrition in Seniors
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Photo courtesy of University of Adelaide
As we age, it’s even more vital for our bodies to absorb nutrients, however nutrient malabsorption increases in the elderly, often leading to anemia and other illnesses. A recent study has identified a protein complex, mTORC1, a sensor of nutrients and growth factors, which is a central regulator of aging and a target for lifespan and healthspan extension.
This new information indicates that mTOR is a central regulator of aging that may mediate diet restriction-induced extension of the lifespan and healthspan. These findings reveal a mechanism by which mTORC1 signaling regulates aging and can potentially explain the reversibility of aging.
Further exploration into how inhibition of this complex affects age related changes is worth investigating.