Researchers at Marshall University report that microscopic particles found in the gut lumen—known as exosomes—differ between young and old mice and can influence metabolism and gut-barrier function when transferred between animals. The findings, published in the journal Aging Cell, suggest these particles may help drive biological changes associated with aging, though the work is preclinical.
Scientists at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine studied gut luminal exosomes—microscopic, membrane-bound particles that cells release to communicate by transporting proteins and genetic material.
In experiments described by the team, exosomes isolated from older mice contained molecular signals associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and impaired gut-barrier integrity. When those exosomes were transferred into younger mice, the recipients developed similar metabolic and inflammatory changes.
The researchers also reported a reverse pattern: exosomes collected from young mice and transferred into older mice reduced several aging-related metabolic problems. The authors said the results support the idea that age-related changes in the gut environment may contribute to broader, chronic disease processes linked to aging.
The study’s lead author, Abdelnaby Khalyfa, a professor of biomedical sciences at Marshall University, said the work helps clarify how biological aging may accelerate disease-related pathways and could point to potential targets for future interventions. The researchers emphasized the findings are an early step and do not yet demonstrate a treatment for aging or age-related disease in people.
