An enzyme inhibitor extended lifespan in aged mice
In an experiment in naturally aged C57BL/6 mice, long-term treatment also reduced frailty and improved physical and cognitive performance.
Limit: The abstract omits the size of the lifespan gain
Edited by Boris Djordjevic · AgingResearch.News
In an experiment in naturally aged C57BL/6 mice, researchers tested whether long-term inhibition of asparagine endopeptidase, an enzyme that breaks down proteins inside cells, could slow signs of aging. They treated the mice with an inhibitor called #11a.
The treatment extended lifespan and improved health span, the period of life spent in good health. Treated mice had less frailty and better physical and cognitive performance. The researchers also found reduced measures associated with inflammation and senescence, a state in which cells stop dividing, in several organs. The authors said the findings support further investigation of inhibiting this enzyme to promote healthy aging.
Why it matters
The enzyme’s activity increases with age and contributes to age-related tissue dysfunction. The work addresses whether targeting it could help promote healthy aging.
Caveats
These animal experiments do not establish benefits in people. The abstract does not report the size of the lifespan gain, the number of mice, or the treatment dose and duration.
The paper
Inhibition of asparagine endopeptidase extends the lifespan and improves health span during aging
Chinese Academy of Sciences; Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology
iScience, Oct 23, 2026, Open access
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