Researchers used mice to study a protein-control system called mTORC1 that helps build and repair muscle when people are young. The study shows that mTORC1 can become too active during aging. A gene regulator called DEAF1 pushes mTORC1 into this high-activity state.
DEAF1 makes muscle cells produce more protein but also stops the cells from clearing damaged proteins. Over time, this imbalance can harm muscle cells and lead to sarcopenia, which means loss of muscle mass and strength.
The team had older mice do endurance exercise, including a hard treadmill run, while other older mice stayed sedentary. After exercise, the active mice had much lower mTORC1 activity, and exercise lowered DEAF1 via FOXO genes, which may help protect muscle.
Difficult words
- protein-control system — a body system that controls protein use
- gene regulator — a molecule that controls gene activity
- aging — the process of getting older in body
- imbalance — a state where things are not equal
- sarcopenia — loss of muscle mass and strength
- sedentary — not moving much with little physical activity
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think exercise can protect muscle in old age? Why or why not?
- Have you or someone you know done endurance exercise like running? What changed?
- What simple activities can people do to avoid being sedentary?
Related articles
Affordable twice-yearly HIV injection lenacapavir to reach 120 countries
Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, will be licensed for 120 low- and middle-income countries at US$40 a year. Rollout is expected from 2027 with funding support, but some countries and price transparency remain concerns.
Exercise better than protein powder for older adults' muscle strength
A clinical trial in people aged 65 and over found that extra protein from whey capsules did not increase muscle strength after 24 weeks. Researchers say resistance exercise remains the most reliable way to improve strength.
