Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Genetic overexpression of autophagy-related proteins (e.g., ATG5, LC3/ATG8) is sufficient to extend life span in model organisms.
In animals, genetically boosting autophagy proteins extends life. This proves that enhancing the body's natural cleanup system is enough to live longer. However, this is not a practical human intervention yet, as it requires genetic modification.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Genetic manipulations solely designed to increase autophagy are able to extend life span in several species. For instance, transgene-enforced overexpression of the pro-autophagic protein ATG5 enhanced the life span of mice... brain-specific overexpression of LC3/ATG8 in D. melanogaster is sufficient to prolong life span.
Why this rating
Strong evidence in flies and mice, but not yet applicable to humans.
Source
Essential role for autophagy in life span extension
Frank Madeo et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2015
DOI 10.1172/jci73946
narrative_reviewCited 443×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Caloric restriction extends life span in model organisms by inducing autophagy, a process essential for clearing damaged organelles and proteins.Good
- Pharmacologic induction of autophagy using rapamycin, resveratrol, or spermidine extends life span in model organisms by mimicking caloric restriction.Good
Related findings · Micronutrients & recovery
- Trans fats (industrial trans-fatty acids) are unequivocally harmful and should be completely avoided as they raise LDL-C, TGs, and Apo B while lowering HDL-C.Strong
- For menopausal women with osteoporosis, first-line pharmacologic therapies include alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, and denosumab for the prevention of hip, nonvertebral, and vertebral fractures.Strong
- Folic acid fortification of flour prevents neural tube birth defects, and mandatory fortification is more effective than voluntary supplementation alone.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →