Researchers at Duke-NUS investigated how a protein-control system tied to muscle maintenance changes with age and how exercise counters that decline. The study shows that mTORC1, a cellular complex that normally builds and repairs muscle, can become chronically overactive during aging. The team identifies a gene regulator, DEAF1, as a key driver that increases protein synthesis in muscle cells while blocking the clearance of damaged proteins. This imbalance can damage muscle cells and contribute to sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and function linked to age.
To test the effect of activity, aging mice performed endurance workouts that included an exhausting treadmill run, while a control group remained sedentary. After exercise, the active mice had marked reductions in mTORC1 activity compared with sedentary animals. Further analysis revealed that exercise lowers DEAF1 through activation of a set of longevity-related genes called FOXO; when FOXO is activated it suppresses DEAF1 and helps mTORC1 return toward normal activity, which may protect muscle cells.
The senior author is Hong-Wen Tang, with co-lead authors Sze Mun Choy, Kah Yong Goh, and Wen Xing Lee. The work appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and highlights a FOXO–DEAF1–mTORC1 pathway linking age, muscle decline, and physical activity. The authors note that drugs targeting DEAF1 or boosting FOXO could mimic some benefits of exercise and help prevent age-related muscle weakening. Funding came from the Singapore Ministry of Education; Diana Koh Innovative Cancer Research Award; National Academy of Medicine; and National Medical Research Council. Source: Duke University.
Difficult words
- sarcopenia — age-related loss of muscle mass and function
- chronically — in a way that continues for a long time
- overactive — more active than normal in harmful way
- regulator — a person or thing that controls a process
- clearance — removal of unwanted or damaged material
- sedentary — not physically active; spending much time sitting
- pathway — a series of connected actions or processes
- suppress — stop or reduce an action or activitysuppresses
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might lowering DEAF1 protect muscle cells during aging? Use reasons from the article.
- What are possible benefits and risks of drugs that boost FOXO instead of exercise, based on the study's claims?
- How could the finding about exercise reducing mTORC1 activity change advice for older adults' physical activity?
Related articles
Turning Water Hyacinth into Biodegradable Sanitary Pads
Researcher Pooja Singh and colleagues used invasive water hyacinth to make eco-friendly sanitary pads. Their project won an Elsevier award in Pune and aims to reduce water and plastic pollution while supporting women in local communities.
Emory study: 2023–24 COVID vaccine gives lasting antibodies
Emory University measured antibody responses in 24 people after the 2023–24 monovalent vaccine targeting Omicron XBB.1.5. The study found long-lasting antibodies, cross-reactive protection with the ancestral WA1 strain, and a 2.8-fold boost from immune imprinting.
Engineered bacteria produce tagatose sweetener
Tufts researchers engineered Escherichia coli to make tagatose, a rare sugar that can substitute for table sugar. They used a slime mold enzyme and another enzyme to convert glucose, producing higher yields; tagatose is low‑calorie and FDA‑recognized as safe.
Untreated Sleep Apnea Speeds Heart Aging and Raises Death Risk
A laboratory study using a long-term mouse model finds that untreated obstructive sleep apnea — recreated by repeated drops in oxygen during sleep — leads to faster cardiovascular aging and higher mortality. Researchers call for early screening and treatment.