Scientists reveal why a popular anti-aging compound may also fuel cancer

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A molecule tied to longevity may have a hidden double life—boosting healthy cells on one hand and turbocharging cancer on the other. The same molecules celebrated for supporting healthy aging may also help cancers thrive. Researchers have now uncovered how polyamines flip from activating protective pathways in normal cells to triggering a tumor-driving protein that fuels rapid growth. Credit: Shutterstock Polyamines are naturally produced molecules present in all living cells. They play a vital role in basic biological functions, including cell growth and specialization. In recent years, scientists have focused on these compounds, especially spermidine, for their potential to support healthy aging. Often described as 'geroprotectors,' they have been shown to stimulate autophagy, a cellular recycling process that clears out damaged components. This benefit largely depends on a protein called eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A1). At the same time, researchers have repeatedly observed high levels of polyamines in many types of cancer, where they are l
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