There is a close connection between aging and cancer. And in the last few years scientists have gotten a much better understanding of how that connection works.
Professor Carlos Lopez-Otin and his research team at the University of Oviedo in Spain are investigating what they call the Meta-hallmarks of aging and cancer.
In Cell Metabolism, a book Lopez-Otin wrote with his team, they note that this connection has to do with malignant cells that “usually arise as the result of the age-associated failure to maintain cellular identities.”
Last year, a key scientific meeting was held in Copenhagen to discuss potential new hallmarks of aging. Previously, nine significant hallmarks of aging were identified and accepted in the scientific community. These ranged from genomic instability to altered intercellular communication.
However, thanks to advancements in technology and the constantly evolving understanding of human physiology, explaining aging only with those nine hallmarks has become challenging.
Therefore, the global scientific community came together to add five new hallmarks that could provide a better understanding and investigation of aging. They are:
- Compromised Autophagy
- Dysregulation of RNA processing
- Microbiome disturbances
- Altered mechanical properties
- Inflammation
What is Autophagy?
Autophagy is a fundamental process in cells that involves removing and recycling systems. The term “autophagy” itself provides insight into its mechanism. The word is derived from the Greek words “auto,” meaning “self,” and “phage,” meaning “eating.”
Autophagy, which can be understood as the cell’s way of self-eating or self-degradation, plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It acts as a quality control mechanism by eliminating dysfunctional components. Additionally, autophagy can provide nutrients during nutrient scarcity by recycling mechanisms.
During aging, activation of autophagy can increase cellular lifespan by even improving immune response, DNA repair, or nutrient-sensing metabolism.
Autophagy: Friend or Foe for Cancer?
From this perspective, autophagy holds promise as a mechanism for cancer prevention, according to Lopez-Otin, a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology who combines his teaching responsibilities with his research lines on cancer, aging biology and the functional analysis of genomes.
His works have been collected in more than 400 articles in international journals.
In Cell Metabolism, he writes, “Baseline autophagy is required for the maintenance of cellular and organismal fitness… Cancer cells must overcome several age-associated mechanisms that usually limit cellular fitness, such as autophagy inhibition.”
Elimination of damaged mitochondria
We all have a special component in our cells. It is called mitochondria. This organelle is responsible for energy production. But during that process, reactive oxygen species, which are known to sometimes cause DNA damage, can be produced.
If mitochondria are damaged, this production process speeds up and intensifies and can contribute to cancer development. However, a well-functioning autophagy mechanism eliminates these damaged mitochondria.
Maintenance of cellular energy levels for DNA repair
Autophagy is an energy recycling mechanism. It ensures the availability of the necessary energy for repairing potential DNA damage.
Preservation of accurate cell division
Cancer, of course, involves a series of uncontrolled cell divisions, resulting in offspring cells with abnormalities. However, autophagy also plays a role in preventing errors in the division.
Autophagy is an important cancer-preventive mechanism in the body. However, on the other side of the coin, the same research team also shared information about certain tumor-promoting aspects of autophagy.
In some cases, suppressing autophagy mechanisms can limit the progression of existing tumors. This is because autophagy, similar to healthy cells, can enhance the adaptation of tumor cells to challenging conditions, thereby promoting their survival and resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted treatments.
Based on these findings, the addition of certain autophagy-inhibiting agents to the treatment of advanced cancer patients is a topic discussed in scientific literature. However, it remains unknown whether such treatment may lead to serious side effects like rapid aging or suppressing the immune system.
Summary
Autophagy is a valuable mechanism in protecting against cancer. By creating the right conditions that naturally trigger autophagy, you can enhance its cancer-preventive effects.
Some of these conditions can include healthy habits like an intermittent fasting diet, which provides balanced nutrition while incorporating temporary fasting periods, or experiencing temporary oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during exercise.
However, if you are undergoing specific cancer treatments, there is still limited knowledge about how autophagy impacts. It is important to consult with your doctor and stay informed about the latest developments in this area.
