Toronto: A team of researchers, led by Indian-origin scientist Bhagwati Gupta, has uncovered a new function of a protein that could pave the way for treating age-related diseases and promote healthier ageing. The research team, from McMaster University in Canada, discovered a previously unknown ability of a protective protein that helps clean up harmful cell build-up, a finding that could help tackle diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Key protein protects cells

According to the study, published in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences', the researchers found that cells sometimes create faulty proteins. When these proteins aren’t cleared out properly, they clump together, leading to a harmful buildup linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

“If cells experience stress from protein clumping, the endoplasmic reticulum, where proteins are produced, gets a signal to stop making them,” explained Professor Bhagwati Gupta, who supervised the study.

MANF: A protective protein

The researchers focused on a class of protective proteins known as MANF. Earlier studies had shown that MANF helps protect cells under stress, but its exact role was unclear. Gupta’s team set out to better understand this by experimenting with microscopic worms called 'C. elegans', manipulating the amount of MANF in their cells.

The team discovered that MANF is crucial for the cell's waste management system. It helps break down accumulated proteins, keeping cells healthy and free of clutter. Boosting MANF levels also activated a natural clean-up process within the cells, making them function more efficiently for longer periods.

Universal implications

“Although our research was focused on worms, the findings reveal universal processes. MANF is present in all animals, including humans," said Shane Taylor, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia and one of the study's authors. "We are uncovering key details that could be tested in higher organisms, including humans."

Potential for age-related disease treatments

The research opens the possibility of using MANF as a potential therapy to treat age-related diseases. The team plans to continue exploring how MANF interacts with other cellular mechanisms. “Discovering MANF’s role in maintaining cell health suggests it could help develop treatments for brain diseases and other conditions by targeting the processes that clear out toxic clumps of proteins,” added Gupta.

This breakthrough could eventually lead to new treatments that help people age more healthily and reduce the risk of developing serious age-related illnesses.