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Caffeine Slows Cellular Aging by Activating AMPK

This finding reveals a shared target with the diabetes drug metformin, paving the way for future targeted longevity research.

© Margherita Bassi
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Doctor advises against drinking coffee first thing in the morning, as it may heighten stress and disrupt metabolism.
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Overview

  • Researchers found caffeine activates AMP-activated protein kinase, an ancient cellular energy sensor conserved from yeast to humans, clarifying that it does not directly interact with the TOR growth regulator.
  • Activation of AMPK by caffeine influences cell growth rates, enhances DNA repair processes and boosts stress-response pathways tied to aging and disease resilience.
  • AMPK is also the target of metformin, a diabetes drug under investigation for its lifespan-extending properties, highlighting shared mechanisms that may inform anti-aging therapies.
  • These benefits depend on the presence of proteins Ssp1 and Ssp2, and they can amplify DNA damage in cells with existing genetic lesions.
  • Using a fission yeast model, scientists plan to explore how dietary or pharmacological strategies could more precisely trigger these anti-aging pathways in human cells.