Unveiling anti-aging "Glue" for DNA repair
Scientists from Macquarie University have discovered that a protein called PDI can actually move inside our cells to fix damaged DNA—a process that may help slow down aging.
The research, published in the journal Aging Cell, shows how PDI usually hangs out in the cytoplasm but heads to the nucleus when it's time for some DNA repair work.
PDI helps mend DNA
Dr. Sina Shadfar explains that PDI's ability to mend DNA is especially important for protecting our brains from diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, since mature neurons can't regrow once they're lost.
The team found that taking away PDI stopped cells from repairing their DNA, but adding it back brought those repairs right back online—even helping zebrafish fight age-related damage.
Now, researchers are exploring gene therapies using PDI, though they're cautious because while it helps healthy cells, it can also protect cancer cells.