A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Riverside has unveiled the potential for inhaling scents that could delay the onset of neurological diseases, cancer, and inflammation. Led by Anandasankar Ray, a professor of molecular, cell, and systems biology, the research demonstrated that exposure to odorant-based histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors had a significant impact on gene expression in various organisms.
The study initially involved exposing fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to diacetyl, a microbial volatile compound commonly found in dairy products and fermented beverages. The researchers observed rapid changes in gene expression in the fly’s antennae, as well as in mice and human cells, upon exposure to diacetyl. Surprisingly, the study revealed that volatile compounds could directly alter gene expression, even in tissues lacking odorant receptors, by penetrating the cell nucleus through the cell membrane.
While diacetyl served as a proof of concept in the study, the researchers are currently exploring other potential odorants that can induce similar changes in gene expression. The findings published in eLife highlighted the ability of volatile compounds to modify gene expression and chromatin structure in organisms, even when the source of the compounds is at a distance from the organism.
One of the significant discoveries of the study was the identification of diacetyl as an inhibitor of HDAC enzymes, with potential implications for treating diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. By inhibiting HDACs, DNA in cells becomes less compactly wound, leading to increased gene expression and the possibility of delaying neurodegeneration and memory deficits.
In addition to its potential therapeutic applications in human diseases, the research also showcased the impact of odorant-based HDAC inhibitors on plant growth and stress responses. The study revealed that plants exhibit noteworthy responses to volatile compounds, which could enhance growth, resilience to abiotic stress, and overall gene expression regulation.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, as odorant-based therapies could revolutionize the treatment of various diseases in humans and offer new avenues for enhancing plant growth and resilience. With patent filings for volatile compounds that show promise in slowing neurodegeneration and cancer progression, Anandasankar Ray and his team are at the forefront of pioneering scent-based therapies that could transform healthcare and agriculture.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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