Tissue Remodeling Holds Anti-Aging Clue

The main structural proteins in connective tissue, collagens make up about a third of the proteins in the human body.  Collagens have been implicated in human diseases ranging from diabetes complications to cardiovascular conditions to bone and kidney diseases. Collagen is an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which serves as scaffolding that supports tissues, organs and bones. Collin Ewald, from the Joslin Diabetes Center (Massachusetts, USA), and colleagues studied how various longevity interventions affected the expression of genes that produce collagens and other ECM proteins, in the Caenorhabditis elegans (round worm).  The researchers found that genetic, nutritional, and drug approaches for aging intervention increased the expression of collagen and ECM genes, and enhanced ECM remodeling.  Interference of such expression compromised lifespan; overexpression led to lifespan extension.  The study authors write that: “The importance of collagen production in diverse anti-ageing interventions implies that extracellular matrix remodelling is a generally essential signature of longevity assurance.”