The Salk Institute Uncovers Caloric Restriction’s Role in Halting Cellular Aging.

Peer Reviewed Publication: Cell Publications

According to a recent US-China study, scientists show that studying single-cell gene expression in older rats reveals how caloric restriction (CR) reduces inflammation, prevents age-related illnesses, and extends lifespan. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of how calorie restriction can safeguard against aging in cellular pathways, as revealed in the latest issue of Cell on February 27, 2020.

Impact on metabolism

Salk scientists analysed how (CR) affects aging at a single-cell level in rats. They studied over 210,000 single cells and nuclei from nine tissues in young and old rats with different feeding regimes. The overall impact of ageing and calorie restriction on various tissues was assessed by looking at the types of cells present, specific molecular processes in cells and tissues, key regulatory transcription factors, and communication networks between cells.

“Several interventions have been proposed to rejuvenate cells and organs, delay the onset of age-associated diseases, and extend healthspan and lifespan, among which caloric restriction (CR) has been recognized as one of the most effective interven- tions (Fontana and Partridge, 2015).

The study suggests that beginning a calorie-restricted diet in adulthood might be more beneficial than starting in early life. In the research,18-month-old rats were divided into two groups: one that ate freely and another that consumed 30% fewer calories. After nine months, the rats, now equivalent in age to 70-year-old humans, were compared to younger rats, equivalent to 16-year-old humans, to observe the effects of the diets.

Role in disease prevention

After nine months of calorie restriction, the body weight of the (CR) rats was reduced by about one-third compared to those that ate freely, with no change in blood sugar levels. The calorie-restricted diet extended both the median and maximum lifespans of the (CR) rats. 

The (CR) group also had significant effects on age-related tissue changes. For example, fewer fat droplets accumulated in the livers of both younger and calorie-restricted older rats compared to the freely-fed older rats. Additionally, the age-related increase in small fat cells and large fat droplets in brown fat tissue was reversed by (CR).

As people get older, their body tissues experience a decline in function, leading to a higher risk of chronic illnesses. Age-related changes affect organs and cells, prompting the search for ways to rejuvenate them and prevent health issues, ultimately extending both health span and lifespan. Caloric restriction is thought to be a key intervention in achieving these goals.

Effects on Health

The findings from these studies show how maps of individual cells in various tissues can improve our understanding of ageing processes and ways to intervene metabolically. Cutting-edge methods for analysing cellular modifications will enhance our knowledge of aging and assist in pinpointing targets and methods to prolong life and health span.

The results of these studies support their research, indicating that as people get older, there are increased levels of white blood cells in different parts of the body. This highlights the importance of investigating the impact of calorie restriction associated with several age-related ailments such as obesity, heart disease, and liver scarring.

Authors of the Study: Shuai Ma, Shuhui Sun, Lingling Geng, Moshi Song, Wei Wang, Yanxia Ye Qianzhao Ji, Zhiran Zou, Si Wang, Xiaojuan He, Wei Li, Concepcion Rodriguez Esteban, Xiao Long,Guoji Guo, Piu Chan, Qi Zhou, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, Weiqi Zhang, Jing Qu, and Guang-Hui Liu.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies: Our team comprises esteemed scientists who excel in various fields such as neuroscience, cancer research, aging, immunobiology, plant biology, computational biology, and others. Established by Jonas Salk, (CR)eator of the first polio vaccine, our Institute is a nonprofit research organisation known for its distinctive architecture, intentionally small size, close-knit community, and unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle.

Journal: Cell

DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.008