New Discovery of Dual mRNA Molecule Holds the Key to Anti-Aging

Researchers from Arizona State University have discovered a dual-function mRNA that can be used to produce a protein or make a non-coding telomerase RNA. The discovery is unprecedented in that it challenges the main principle of molecular biology, which dictates that the mRNA molecule strictly acts as a carrier of genetic information to build proteins.   

Yet this mRNA molecule not only carries genetic information, but also synthesizes telomerase RNA; a non-coding RNA molecule that, when assembled together with the telomerase proteins, forms the enzyme telomerase. The enzyme plays a critical role in the cell’s ability to renew itself, and could be the key to delaying or even reversing the cellular aging process.

During the study, lead researcher Julian Chen and his team discovered the unique mRNA molecule while analyzing the fungal organism, Ustilago mayadis, commonly known as corn smut/ Mexican truffle. By studying its telomere biology, we are now opening up a new window of opportunity in the field of longevity and anti-aging. 

Naturally, human cells have a limited replicative life span. And according to the Hayflick limit theory, this life span is directly related to the number of unique DNA repeats located at the ends of genetic-bearing chromosomes. These chromosomes are protected by capping structures known as telomeres, which prevent unwanted DNA materials from disrupting or destroying the genome.

Unfortunately, telomeres shorten every time the cell divides, thus failing to protect the chromosome ends. This continuous shortening of telomeres acts as a kind of ‘molecular clock’ that counts down toward the cell’s inevitable end. It is also a key indicator of the aging process, as a reduction in cell population contributes to illness, weakness, and organ failure.

Thankfully, our body counteracts this through the telomerase enzyme; which offsets cellular aging by lengthening telomeres and extending the lifespan of the cell. However, the activity of telomerase in adult human stem cells — the cells responsible for restoring damaged tissues and organs — slows down with age due to gradual telomere shortening. This is why older adults tend to exhibit increased healing times and organ tissue degradation caused by inadequate cell populations.

By understanding the regulation and limitation of telomerase activity, we could potentially reverse cellular aging, increase our life span, and improve wellness among the elderly. But excessive telomerase activity could come at a cost, as cancer cells can use telomerase to increase their destructive growth. The idea is to find the perfect balance where there’s enough telomerase for cell rejuvenation, but not enough to trigger heightened cancer development.

The study of telomerase RNA biogenesis in corn smut could unlock new mechanisms on how to engineer human telomerase for the development of anti-aging and anti-cancer treatments. The discovery of this dual mRNA could also lead to innovative ways of manufacturing future mRNA vaccines. Such vaccines are considered safer than DNA vaccines as they do not run the risk of permanently incorporating into our DNA and damaging it.

This study was carried out by researchers from the Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences and the Biodesign Institute’s Center for the Mechanism of Evolution. The findings of the study were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.