Longevity & AgingFAM162A Protein Extends Lifespan and Boosts Mitochondrial Health in New Study
FAM162A, a previously understudied inner mitochondrial membrane protein, has been found to play a central role in maintaining mitochondrial cristae structure, boosting cellular energy production, and extending lifespan. Researchers at Universidad Andres Bello used cell-based loss- and gain-of-function experiments alongside a transgenic Drosophila model to show that FAM162A interacts with OPA1, the key regulator of inner mitochondrial membrane fusion. Silencing FAM162A disrupted cristae architecture, reduced oxidative phosphorylation, and increased cell death, while overexpression had the opposite effects. Flies engineered to express human FAM162A lived longer and maintained better locomotor function under both normal conditions and heat stress, identifying FAM162A as a promising target in longevity and mitochondrial medicine.
