Scientists have developed a new enzyme that can reverse a buildup of compounds involved in some age-related diseases, according to a recent report. The engineered enzyme targets damage at the molecular level, offering a potential approach to addressing one cause of aging.
In tests on human donor skin, the enzyme reversed more than half of the accumulated protein damage, the researchers reported.
The study, described as a new approach to tackling protein damage from aging, was conducted by enzyme engineers who designed the molecule to erase a specific marker of aging. The findings were based on laboratory experiments with tissue samples, and further research is needed before any clinical applications.