Scientists from MIA-Portugal identify a new role for dynamins in genome protection and ageing prevention
Source: https://www.uc.pt/mia/mia-portugal-news/scientists-from-mia-portugal-identify-a-new-role-for-dynamins-in-genome-protection-and-ageing-prevention/ Parent: https://www.uc.pt/mia/
Scientists from MIA-Portugal identify a new role for dynamins in genome protection and ageing prevention
20 fevereiro, 2026
≈ 3 mins de leitura
Scientists from MIA-Portugal identify a new role for dynamins in genome protection and ageing prevention
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A study published in Nature Communications reveals an unknown role of a family of proteins called dynamin, highlighting their importance in protecting the cell nucleus and preserving genome stability, two processes essential for cell health and the prevention of age-related diseases.
The research was led by Célia Aveleira and Ira Milosevic, assistant researcher and principal investigator, respectively, of the Ageing Brain group at the Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal), Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CiBB) at the University of Coimbra and the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
Protecting the cell's ‘command centre’
The cell nucleus functions as the command centre of the cell, housing and safeguarding the genome. Besides DNA, which constitutes the genome, the nucleus is protected by a nuclear membrane. For proper cellular function, the nucleus must maintain structural integrity, preserve the integrity of the nuclear membrane, and efficiently repair DNA damage. Disruption of any of these processes is closely associated with ageing and genetic diseases.
In this study, the researchers found that cells without dynamin—proteins best known for their role as molecular ‘clamps’ that cut newly formed vesicles from the cell membrane—have profound defects in nuclear architecture.
‘We found that dynamin proteins are essential for maintaining nuclear membrane integrity and genome stability,’ explains Célia Aveleira, first author of the study. ‘When these proteins are absent, the structure oft he nucleus becomes irregular, DNA repair systems are affected, and damaged DNA accumulates in the cell, posing a threat to cell stability.’
The team also demonstrated that dynamin proteins exert their protective role through interactions with the cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules. Microtubules are the internal support and transport network of the cell.
“Microtubules can be thought of as the railroad tracks of the cell,” adds Célia. “Dynamin works together with these structures to maintain nuclear stability and support genome maintenance.”
According to Ira Milosevic, this work, in addition to assigning a new role to dynamin, has provided a better understanding of the cellular basis of ageing and age-related diseases. “By identifying dynamin as a regulator of nuclear integrity and genome stability, our work offers new insights into the mechanisms that prevent age-related pathologies,” he says. “These findings have implications for research on ageing and diseases caused by genomic instability, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.”
International collaboration
In addition to MIA-Portugal, the study involved researchers from the University of Sheffield (United Kingdom), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Cancer Institute (United States).
The scientific article, entitled ‘Dynamins maintain nuclear membrane homeostasis and genome stability,’ published in the journal Nature Communications, can be found here.
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