
29/09/2025
Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have identified a drug called IU1 that can significantly slow aging by enhancing the protein quality control systems in cells-and may even open the door to extending human life up to 250 years.
Aging is an inevitable process often accompanied by various diseases. One of the main causes of aging is the loss of protein balance within the body’s cells, a phenomenon known as protestasis. Cells possess mechanisms that identify and break down damaged proteins. However, with aging, these systems become less efficient, paving the way for many age-related degenerative diseases.
In this context, the research team investigated the relationship between two key protein quality control systems: proteasomes and autophagy. They discovered that the lU1 drug can enhance proteasome activity while simultaneously boosting autophagy. This synergistic mechanism could help reduce aging-related muscle weakness and increase lifespan.