Reporters learned from Xiamen University on January 5 that Lin Shengcai, an academician of the CAS Member and professor of the School of Life Sciences of Xiamen University, published two research papers in the international academic journal Nature at the same time. The research team identified and screened through metabolomics to find the key molecule responsible for the health benefits of "calorie restriction" - lithocholic acid, and revealed its molecular mechanism for exerting anti-aging and longevity effects. Previously, a large number of controlled experiments on model animals and humans have shown that reducing food intake while ensuring adequate nutrition can effectively improve age-related obesity, insulin resistance, muscle degeneration, blood lipid abnormalities, and prolong lifespan. But why is reducing food intake beneficial for longevity? What changes do living organisms undergo during this process? There is currently no consensus in the academic community. The research team used metabolomics technology to identify and screen the key molecule lithocholic acid from over 300 metabolites in the serum of "calorie restricted" mice. Subsequently, the research team validated the anti-aging and longevity effects of lithocholic acid in various model animals such as nematodes, fruit flies, and mice. The research team further discovered that lithocholic acid can activate the human metabolic "master switch" AMPK through a "channel" called the lysosomal glucose sensing pathway. AMPK is a protein kinase that regulates energy metabolism. When cellular energy levels decrease, AMPK can maintain cellular homeostasis by inhibiting energy expenditure pathways and enhancing energy generation pathways. If we compare the activation of AMPK to the endpoint, our research is equivalent to discovering a new path to reach the endpoint The postdoctoral fellow of the team, Qu Qi, explained that the research results indicate that there is no need for "calorie restriction", and only supplementing with the metabolite lithocholic acid can produce the health benefits brought by "calorie restriction". However, there is currently no evidence to suggest the efficacy and safety of lithocholic acid for human use. The team is conducting primate experiments around this issue. Lin Shengcai said that this discovery provides potential therapeutic targets for anti-aging and metabolic disease treatment. (New Society)