Double-edged STING: Pitt study identifies new pathway involved in aging.

A recent study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh has found that a protein called STING, known for its role in antiviral signaling, also plays a crucial role in cellular stress clearance and cell survival. The researchers discovered that when STING is activated, it leads to the production of more lysosomes, which are involved in a cellular process called autophagy that helps clean up damaged material. This newly discovered function of STING is important for healthy aging and suggests that therapies targeting STING should reconsider blocking its autophagy/lysosome-promoting functions. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health. [Extracted from the article]