The Molecule That Slows Down Aging… and Accelerates Cancer

Do anti-aging supplements genuinely promote longevity while simultaneously facilitating cancer development? Researchers have revealed an unexpected mechanism that clarifies this contradiction. Polyamines such as spermidine are recognized for their role in fostering cell vitality and initiating autophagy. However, fresh findings from the team at Tokyo University of Science indicate that these same compounds can enhance the proliferation of cancer cells. The research, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, illustrates that polyamines activate a protein known as eIF5A1 in healthy cells, which aids mitochondria and encourages healthy aging. Conversely, in cancerous cells, polyamines stimulate a distinct protein called eIF5A2, leading to accelerated tumor growth. The researchers discovered that polyamines increase glycolysis, an energy pathway that cancer cells depend on, and they found that polyamines inhibit a small RNA that typically restrains eIF5A2, allowing cancer cells to proliferate more rapidly. These results serve as a caution that context is crucial; while polyamines may be beneficial in healthy tissues, they can potentially hasten tumor advancement in cancer-susceptible environments. This newfound mechanism may inform safer usage of supplements and pave the way for future cancer treatments aimed at eIF5A2.