Food-derived peptide candidates for telomere protection through Irisin expression modulation

Overview

This research focuses on identifying food-derived peptide candidates that may protect telomeres by modulating the expression of Irisin, a myokine linked to oxidative stress defense and telomere maintenance. Telomere shortening, accelerated by Reactive Oxygen Species, is a key contributor to aging. Irisin production declines with age, and restoring its expression through targeted peptide binding to the FNDC5 gene promoter offers a natural, food-based approach to supporting cellular longevity. The project has identified five peptide candidates from a screened library of 1,517 food-derived antioxidant peptides, each computationally validated for stable binding to the FNDC5 promoter region.

Technical specifications

• Peptide screening: Five candidates identified from a library of 1,517 food-derived antioxidant peptides based on structural similarity to known FNDC5-binding synthetic peptides.
• Computational binding validation: Molecular modeling confirms stable non-covalent interactions at the upstream region of the FNDC5 promoter for all five candidates.
• Model organism: Drosophila (isogenic w1118 line) used for in vivo validation of telomere protection effects.
• Telomere length measurement: Quantitative PCR measuring telomeric (T) signals relative to single-copy gene (S) signals, Terminal Restriction Fragmentation (TRF), and Single Telomere Length Analysis (STELA).
• Gene expression analysis: qPCR-based assessment of telomeric proteins HP1, Eff/UbCD1, and ATM.
• Genetic validation: Transgenic Drosophila lines with RNAi and CRISPR knockout approaches to confirm mechanistic role in telomere shortening.
• Feeding protocol: Peptides incorporated into Drosophila food across one to two generations to evaluate heritable telomere protection effects.

Technology readiness level

This research is at an early-to-mid stage of preclinical validation. Computational binding studies have been completed, confirming stable promoter interactions for all five peptide candidates. The next phase involves chemical synthesis of the peptides followed by in vivo testing in Drosophila to quantify telomere length changes and gene expression effects. Transgenic validation studies are planned to confirm mechanistic involvement. The technology has not yet advanced to mammalian or human clinical testing.