The study conducted by researchers at the Buck Institute involved analyzing data from fruit flies and humans to identify key metabolites that impact lifespan. Through the use of machine learning and systems biology techniques, the team was able to pinpoint threonine as a potential therapeutic for aging interventions. Threonine has been shown to protect against diabetes in mice and plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including collagen production, blood clotting, and immune function.
The research method involved analyzing data from 160 strains of fruit flies on restricted and normal diets to determine how different genotypes responded to these conditions in terms of lifespan and healthspan. By cross-referencing findings with data from the UK Biobank, the team was able to identify metabolites that were conserved in both species and evaluate their impact on human health. The results showed that threonine extended the lifespan of flies in a strain-and-sex-specific manner, highlighting its potential as a targeted intervention for aging.
In addition to the positive findings related to threonine, the study also uncovered negative associations with another metabolite, orotate, which was linked to shorter lifespans in both flies and humans. These results demonstrate the relevance of studying metabolites across species to identify potential therapeutic interventions for aging. The findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be applicable when it comes to aging interventions, highlighting the need for precision medicine in the field of geroscience.
The researchers hope that their pioneering approach will encourage other scientists to adopt similar methods in their research. By utilizing data from multiple species, researchers can more confidently identify potential interventions that are relevant to human health. The approach may also reduce the reliance on mouse studies, which are costly and time-consuming, and streamline the process of translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications. Overall, the study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research methods in advancing our understanding of aging and lifespan regulation.
