New Delhi: A team of researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) has developed an innovative AI-based platform designed to aid in the search for molecules that can promote healthy ageing. The platform, named AgeXtend, represents a significant advancement in understanding the biological mechanisms behind ageing and could revolutionize the way age-related diseases are tackled.
Published in Nature Aging, the study introduces AgeXtend as a multimodal geroprotector prediction platform. By leveraging bioactivity data from known geroprotectors, the platform is capable of identifying new molecules that may have the potential to slow the ageing process. It integrates advanced AI modules that predict the geroprotective potential of compounds, evaluate their toxicity, and determine the target proteins and mechanisms through which they exert their effects. This comprehensive approach enhances both the accuracy and safety of the discovery process, making it a promising tool for scientific research in the field of ageing.
“AgeXtend bridges the gap between artificial intelligence and biology, enabling us to not only predict potential anti-aging molecules but also understand how they work,” Dr. Gaurav Ahuja, senior researcher and co-author of the study, told IANS.
The platform demonstrated its remarkable capabilities by identifying the longevity-enhancing effects of well-known compounds, such as metformin and taurine, even though these molecules were excluded from the training data. Furthermore, AgeXtend screened over 1.1 billion compounds, uncovering numerous promising candidates, which were validated through experiments on yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, and human cell models.
Dr. Ahuja emphasized the transformative potential of the platform, stating, “This platform has immense potential to unlock new pathways for therapeutic interventions in aging and age-related diseases.”
The study also explored the role of natural metabolites from the human microbiome in regulating cellular senescence, highlighting the versatility of AgeXtend. The platform is not only capable of predicting new anti-aging compounds but also offers insights into previously unexplored mechanisms that drive the ageing process.
“AgeXtend is not just a prediction platform; it is a discovery engine. This work opens new possibilities to explore the biological complexity of ageing and find innovative ways to promote health and longevity. It’s an honour to contribute to such transformative research,” said Sakshi Arora, the first author of the study.
The research opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at healthy ageing, offering hope for addressing the challenges posed by age-related diseases.