Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
A Multilayer Microfluidic Platform for the Conduction of Prolonged Cell-Free Gene Expression
Published on: October 6, 2019
Xenotopic synthetic biology: Prospective tools for delaying aging and age-related diseases
Andrey A Parkhitko1, Valentin Cracan2,3
1Aging Institute of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Metabolic dysregulation represents one of the major driving forces in aging. Although multiple genetic and pharmacological manipulations are known to extend longevity in model organisms, aging is a complex trait, and targeting one's own genes may be insufficient to prevent age-dependent deterioration. An alternative strategy could be to use enzymes from other species to reverse age-associated metabolic changes. In this review, we discuss a set of enzymes from lower organisms that have been shown to affect various metabolic parameters linked to age-related processes. These enzymes include modulators of steady-state levels of amino acids (METase, ASNase, and ADI), NADPH/NADP+ and/or reduced form of coenzyme Q (CoQH2)/CoQ redox potentials (NDI1, AOX, LbNOX, TPNOX, EcSTH, RquA, LOXCAT, Grubraw, and ScURA), GSH (StGshF), mitochondrial membrane potential (mtON and mito-dR), or reactive oxygen species (DAAO and KillerRed-SOD1). We propose that leveraging non-mammalian enzymes represents an untapped resource that can be used to delay aging and age-related diseases.
Insights
Leveraging enzymes from other species offers a novel strategy to combat aging. These non-mammalian enzymes can reverse age-related metabolic changes, potentially delaying aging and age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Metabolic dysregulation is a key driver of aging.
- Genetic and pharmacological interventions show limitations in preventing age-dependent decline.
- Aging is a complex process influenced by multiple metabolic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review enzymes from lower organisms that modulate age-associated metabolic parameters.
- To explore the potential of non-mammalian enzymes in reversing metabolic changes linked to aging.
- To propose a novel strategy for delaying aging and age-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of enzymes affecting amino acid levels, redox potentials, glutathione, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species.
- Analysis of enzymes including METase, ASNase, ADI, NDI1, AOX, LbNOX, TPNOX, EcSTH, RquA, LOXCAT, Grubraw, ScURA, StGshF, mtON, mito-dR, DAAO, and KillerRed-SOD1.
- Discussion of how these enzymes impact metabolic pathways relevant to aging.
Main Results:
- Identified various non-mammalian enzymes that modulate key metabolic parameters associated with aging.
- Demonstrated the potential of these enzymes to influence amino acid homeostasis, redox balance, and oxidative stress.
- Highlighted enzymes affecting mitochondrial function and glutathione levels.
Conclusions:
- Non-mammalian enzymes represent an underutilized resource for anti-aging strategies.
- Targeting age-associated metabolic dysregulation with exogenous enzymes offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- This approach could lead to interventions for delaying aging and mitigating age-related diseases.
