Study identifies granzyme K as a driver of ageing in mice
A Nature research highlight reports that aged mice lacking granzyme K showed improved heart and liver function and less kidney damage, without inflammation.
In brief
- Researchers identified granzyme K as an enzyme that drives ageing in the body’s tissues.
- Aged mice lacking granzyme K showed improved heart and liver function and less kidney damage.
- Age-related stiffening and scarring of liver tissue declined in mice bioengineered to lack the enzyme.
- The underlying study was published in Immunity by Kannangara, D. et al. in 2026.
Study findings
A Nature research highlight published on 12 November 2026 reports that researchers have found an enzyme that drives ageing in the body’s tissues. The enzyme is granzyme K.
Aged mice engineered to lack granzyme K had improved heart and liver function and less kidney damage. Age-related stiffening and scarring of liver tissue declined in mice that were bioengineered to lack the enzyme.
What researchers say
The Nature article states that drugs that reduce the levels of this protein might one day combat the effects of ageing without impairing the body’s immune defences. This is presented as a possibility raised by researchers, not a proven fact.
The underlying research was published in Immunity by Kannangara, D. et al., with doi: (2026).
Why it matters
The study identifies granzyme K as a protein linked to ageing-related tissue damage in mice. If the findings apply to humans, reducing granzyme K could offer a way to address ageing effects while preserving immune function, though any such application remains unproven.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
Questions readers ask
- What enzyme was identified as a driver of ageing in mice?
- The enzyme identified is granzyme K.
- When was the Nature research highlight about this study published?
- The Nature research highlight was published on 12 November 2026.
- What health improvements were observed in aged mice lacking granzyme K?
- Aged mice engineered to lack granzyme K had improved heart and liver function, less kidney damage, and declined age-related stiffening and scarring of liver tissue.
- Which journal published the underlying research by Kannangara, D. et al.?
- The underlying research was published in Immunity.
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