Singapore scientists find new way to combat age-related diseases

A group of scientists from Singapore and the United States have discovered how to potentially delay the aging process, Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) said on Tuesday.
Researchers from A*STAR and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine have isolated the role of p38MAPK protein, also known to cause inflammation, will promote aging when activated with another protein, according to a statement by A*STAR.
They discovered that by reducing the levels of the protein p38MAPK, they were able to delay the aging of multiple tissues.
The scientists discovered this in an experiment using genetically modified mice. They found that several organs, including the pancreas, in the mice that had a reduced amount of p38MAPK protein exhibited a delayed degeneration as the mice grew older.
At the same time, they found out that by forcibly activating the protein p38MAPK, it caused insulin resistance in mice, by stunting the growth of insulin-producing islet beta cells and caused insulin resistance in mice. This is how Type 2 diabetes developed.
The scientists believe that this would mean they could potentially treat age-related degenerative conditions triggered by the protein p38MAPK. New treatment approaches for type 2 diabetes in the elderly could also be developed.
A*STAR is the lead scientific agency in Singapore which aims to foster scientific research and talent for Singapore.