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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:33
Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules
Published on: May 12, 2017
Circular RNAs-Stress Granule Interplay Drives Aging-Related Proteostasis Loss
1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.
Aging Cell
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Scientists discovered that declining levels of the enzyme ribonuclease K (RNASEK) contribute to the accumulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) with aging. Restoring RNASEK levels may promote healthy aging and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gerontology
- RNA Biology
Background:
- Aging is characterized by cellular imbalances, including impaired proteostasis and RNA homeostasis (ribostasis).
- Circular RNAs (circRNAs) accumulate with age and are linked to cellular dysfunction.
- Declining function of enzymes like ribonuclease K (RNASEK) may underlie age-related circRNA buildup.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of circRNA turnover in aging and lifespan.
- To explore the function of RNASEK in maintaining cellular homeostasis during aging.
- To determine the link between ribostasis, proteostasis, and longevity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized model organisms (worms, mice) and human cell cultures.
- Assessed the impact of RNASEK levels on circRNA accumulation and lifespan.
- Investigated the interaction of RNASEK with stress granules (SGs) and heat shock protein 90.
Main Results:
- A decline in RNASEK activity contributes to circRNA accumulation during aging.
- RNASEK is essential for healthy aging and longevity across species.
- RNASEK, in complex with HSP90, prevents harmful RNA aggregates in stress granules.
Conclusions:
- circRNA clearance, regulated by RNASEK, is a critical factor in longevity.
- The interplay between ribostasis and proteostasis is crucial for cellular health in aging.
- RNASEK represents a potential therapeutic target for age-related diseases.
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