Bats hold the key to a protein that can slow aging and fight diseases

Bats are amazing animals that can live for up to 20 years and resist many deadly viruses, such as Ebola and Covid-19. What is the secret behind their remarkable health and longevity? A team of researchers from Singapore has discovered a protein in bats that can slow down aging and fight inflammation, which is linked to many diseases. This protein, called bat ASC2, could have potential applications for human medicine in the future, reports Earth.com.

What is bat ASC2 and how does it work?

Bat ASC2 is a modified version of a protein that humans also have, but it is more effective in bats. It works by suppressing inflammasomes, which are parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation when the body is infected by pathogens. Inflammation is a natural response that helps fight infections, but it can also cause damage to tissues and organs if it is excessive or chronic. Inflammation is associated with many diseases, such as Covid-19, heart disease, arthritis, and aging.

The researchers found that bat ASC2 can stop inflammation in bats and make them more resistant to viruses. They also tested bat ASC2 on human cells and mice, and found that it increased their resistance to disease and inflammation as well. The researchers suggest that bat ASC2 could be used to develop new therapies for humans that could slow aging and treat various inflammatory conditions.

Why do bats have this protein?

The researchers believe that bats have evolved this protein because they fly, which puts a lot of stress on their bodies. Flying requires a lot of energy and oxygen, which can produce harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can damage DNA and proteins, and cause inflammation and aging. To cope with this stress, bats have developed ways to protect themselves from ROS and inflammation. One of these ways is having bat ASC2, which helps them maintain their health and lifespan.

What are the implications of this discovery?

This discovery is exciting because it reveals a new mechanism by which bats can resist viruses and aging. It also opens up new possibilities for developing treatments for humans based on bat ASC2. However, the researchers caution that more studies are needed to understand how bat ASC2 works in different contexts and whether it has any side effects. They also note that bat ASC2 is not the only factor that contributes to bats’ health and longevity, and that other factors may also be involved.

The researchers hope that their findings will inspire more research on bats and their unique biology. Bats are not only fascinating animals, but also important for the ecosystem and human health. They pollinate plants, disperse seeds, control pests, and provide valuable resources for scientific research. By studying bats, we can learn more about ourselves and how to improve our health and well-being.