Aging starts at the level of phase-separated biomolecular condensates

Alex K Chen· Feb 24, 2026

This infographic illustrates how aged cells accumulate persistent, dysfunctional stress granules (alt-SGs) due to low RNA, impairing function. Restoring RNA metabolism effectively removes these alt-SGs, leading to cellular rejuvenation and improved physiological function.

Ht doris loh

How do you reverse aging? According to the latest findings, aging starts at the level of phase-separated biomolecular condensates. [1]

Aged cells form protective but persistent condensates that do not disassembly when stress is removed. This type of stress granules (alt-SGs) that are more viscous and contain less RNA. They were found to be present in aged cells across different model organisms.

Even though these alt-SGs serve to protect aged cells, this protection comes at a cost of losing physiological functions. Alt-SGs have more prion-like RBPs and less RNA. Prion-like structures are resilient to stress, but they are usually associated with pathological conditions [2].

The authors of the preprint discovered that removal of these aberrant alt-SGs could be achieved by restoring RNA metabolism and concentration [1].

I wonder if there are alternate solutions...

Reference [1] New Findings: Aging starts at the condensate level. Aged cells form protective but persistent stress granules (SGs) that are more viscous and contain less RNA. Removal of these aberrant SGs was achieved by restoring RNA metabolism and concentration.
[2] Bartolomé-Nafría A, García-Pardo J, Ventura S. Mutations in human prion-like domains: pathogenic but not always amyloidogenic. Prion. 2024;18(1):28-39. doi:10.1080/19336896.2024.2329186