To understand what therapeutics could benefit aging and DNA damage, we have to consider what molecules are involved. So, what do we know about this process?
There are a number of factors that are involved in the aging process. Many things such as diet, lifestyle, medication, genetics, diseases, amongst countless others, are involved. However, in the past several years, studies have looked at specific molecules that change throughout the lifespan of a human. One group of molecules known as telomeres was identified as a key component of the aging process. Over the past several years, our understanding of telomeres has increased dramatically. Telomeres are a compound structure located at the end of chromosomes and act to prevent deterioration/provide protection to the DNA located in the chromosome. They are sequences of repetitive DNA that protect genetic data, make it possible for cells to divide, and help maintain cells normal function. It can be helpful to imagine a telomere as the plastic at the end of a shoelace. Without it, the shoelace will lose its integrity and will begin to degrade. As you age, telomeres begin to shorten.[i] This can lead to a variety of issues with cells in your body including decay, death, and oncogenic transformation of somatic cells. These changes in your body clearly can affect an individual’s general health and their lifespan.
There is always a fine line between the aging process and cancer growth in cells. In fact, the two processes seem to be fighting against one another. As you age, your cells begin to decay and die; and, they lose their ability to replicate and regenerate. On the flip side, cancerous growths are an unregulated proliferation of cells; they show too much ability to grow and survive. Thus, the two processes are intertwined. What role do telomeres play in cancer growths?
Telomere length in the majority of cancerous cells is maintained by telomerase activity. Telomerase is an enzyme expressed in cancer cells that adds nucleotides to telomeres which allows them to maintain their integrity, so cancer cells themselves have a better ability to grow, proliferate, and survive.[ii] There have been many identified genes that make humans more susceptible to telomerase activity and tumor growth by altering the telomere pathways. However, these genes are difficult to target, and therapies thus far have not shown a significant ability to slow down tumor progression.
So, telomeres show strong evidence to be a therapeutic target for aging individuals and slowing down the process. They also seem to play a large role in cancerous cells acting in the opposite way, and a potential therapeutic target could be aimed at shutting them down. Identifying molecules that are involved in this process has been a heavy research topic over the last several years; and, recently, SSB1 was found to be critical in the maintenance of DNA and prevention of damage. What is SSB1?
SSb1 is a ribosome-bound chaperone that assists in the cotranslational folding of newly synthesized proteins in the cytosol. It stimulated the folding of short sequences and is critical in the development and maintenance of proteins in the body. Studies showed that SSb1 looks after the genetic code and if there is any damage, will rush in to repair that damage. But, unfortunately, as we age and telomere length shortens, we begin to lose functionality of SSb1 and our ability to repair damage to DNA is impaired. Further, as our DNA becomes damaged, it has a high likelihood of transforming into cancerous cells.
The mechanisms involved in the aging process and cancer formation are complex. But, SSB1 has shown to be a promising molecular target. So, what have studies shown in regards to its ability to prevent age-related disease and cancer?
Researchers in Australia have been doing a lot of research targeting SSb1.[iii][iv] They are working on a drug that functions by restoring the activity of the DNA repairing SSb1 protein in our bodies. Their research indicates that the drug can make cells believe they are much younger than they are, showing that there is a possibility of reversing the aging process. The same group found that using peptides to turn off SSb1 has been indicated in the treatment of tumor growth. Impairing the ability of tumor cells to repair their own DNA could be a strong indication for the apoptosis of cancer cells.
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