Six new proteins discovered to fight Alzheimers and cancer

A team of scientists has discovered six new proteins that may help reveal secrets of how humans age potentially unlocking new insights into diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and other ageing-related problems.

The researchers found that these tiny proteins are produced naturally in the energy-generating mitochondria the powerhouse in human cells and play key roles in metabolism and cell survival.

"The findings are an important advance that will be ripe for rapid translation into drug development for diseases of ageing," said lead researcher Pinchas Cohen from University of Southern California in the US.

The amount of each protein decreases with age, leading to onset of diseases linked to older age.

To learn further, the team used computer analysis and uncovered the genes for six new proteins which were dubbed small humanin-like peptides (SHIP).