Small Protein, Big Impact: Microprotein Discovery Offers Hope for Obesity and Aging

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Researchers have uncovered a tiny but powerful protein that helps keep our cells’ energy factories humming – a discovery that could spark new approaches to tackling obesity and age-related decline. Scientists at the Salk Institute in La Jolla found that a  “microprotein”  in mouse fat cells plays a critical role in maintaining healthy  mitochondria , the structures that generate energy in our cells. By preserving mitochondrial function, this diminutive protein helps cells burn fuel efficiently, which in turn could influence body weight and the aging process. The findings shine light on how molecular biology connects to everyday health, opening the door to  science-backed strategies for better metabolism and longevity. Mature brown fat cells from a mouse, with the newly discovered microprotein shown in red inside mitochondria (green) and nuclei in blue. This tiny protein helps preserve mitochondrial health under stress. (Credit: Salk Institute) Mighty Mitochondria in ...

Balancing Sweetness and Longevity: How Eating Well and Cutting Sugar May Keep Cells Younger

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Researchers working with a cohort of 342 midlife women in Northern California investigated how diet quality relates to biological age at the cellular level. Each participant logged what she ate and provided a saliva sample. The samples were analyzed with an “epigenetic clock,” a molecular test that measures chemical marks on DNA associated with aging. Diets rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and other antioxidant‑packed foods – patterns similar to the Mediterranean and other anti‑inflammatory diets – were linked with lower epigenetic. In other words, cells looked “younger” when people followed nutrient‑dense eating habits.

A key finding was the role of added sugar. Even among people with otherwise healthy diets, each extra gram of added sugar correlated with a slightly older biological age. Study co‑senior author Elissa Epel, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, noted that excessive sugar intake accelerates molecular aging and undermines healthy longevity. The team estimated that cutting 10 grams of added sugar per day – about the amount in half a chocolate bar or a quarter of a can of cola – could shave roughly 2.4 months off one’s biological age over time. Lead researcher Dorothy Chiu, a postdoctoral scholar at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health, emphasized that following established nutritional guidelines “may promote a younger cellular age relative to chronological age”.

These insights underline how lifestyle choices can influence gene regulation and DNA maintenance. The researchers created an “Epigenetic Nutrient Index” highlighting vitamins and minerals (including vitamins A, C, B12 and E, folate, selenium and magnesium) that support DNA repair. Emphasizing these nutrients – while limiting processed sugar – offers a practical way to support healthy aging through everyday meals.

Researcher Credentials

  • Dorothy Chiu, PhD – Postdoctoral scholar, UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health (first author)

  • Elissa Epel, PhD – Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco

  • Barbara Laraia, PhD, RD – Professor in the Food, Nutrition and Population Health program, University of California, Berkeley

  • Elissa Hamlat, PhD – Co‑author, University of California, San Francisco

  • Joshua Zhang, PhD – Co‑author, University of California, Los Angeles

Recommended Resources
If you’re interested in exploring healthy eating and its molecular effects, these products might be helpful:

  • The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen‑Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day – A comprehensive guide to nutrient‑dense meals inspired by the Mediterranean diet: Read here.

  • Sugar Detox: A 21‑Day Sugar Detox Program to Reset and Break Sugar Addiction – Practical strategies for reducing added sugar intake and improving overall health: Read here.

  • The Epigenetics Revolution: How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance – An accessible introduction to how lifestyle and environment shape gene expression: Read here.