Researchers at the Max Planck Institute evaluate the lifespan impact of rapamycin and trametinib, singly and in combination, in mouse models. They observe that combined administration yields a 26–35% lifespan increase by modulating distinct nodes in the Ras/Insulin/TOR signaling network, with added benefits for tumor suppression and reduced inflammation.
Key points
- Combined administration of rapamycin and trametinib extends mouse lifespan by 26–35%.
- Drugs act on distinct nodes within the Ras/Insulin/TOR signaling network to enhance geroprotection.
- Treatment delays liver and spleen tumor growth and reduces chronic brain inflammation in mice.
Why it matters: Demonstrating additive geroprotective effects in mice highlights a translational strategy for combinatorial drug repurposing to delay human aging and age-related diseases.
Q&A
- What is rapamycin?
- What is trametinib?
- Why target the Ras/Insulin/TOR network?
- What are the limitations of mouse studies for human aging?