# A Tiny RNA Fragment May Be Key to How Fasting Extends Lifespan

*Ribonuclease DIS3 delays aging and senescence by generating tRNA halves.*

- **Evidence Level**: Preliminary
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Nature communications
- **Sample Size**: C. elegans worms and mammalian cell experiments
- **Authors**: Ha SG, Lee H, Park J, Lee D, Lee GY, Ham S, Kwon S, Park S, Kim SS, Jung Y, Lee J, Sohn J, An SWA, Son HG, Hwang W, Kim HI, Kang E, Kim YK, Lee G, Lee SV
- **Published**: 2026-05-21
- **Topics**: dietary restriction, cellular aging, longevity mechanisms
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-73295-7
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42168172/

## Summary

Scientists found that an enzyme called DIS3 chops transfer RNAs into small pieces that help slow aging. In worms, one fragment called 5'-tRH-Gln was needed for the lifespan boost from dietary restriction. The same system delayed cell aging in mammalian cells, pointing to a shared longevity mechanism across species.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-china.com/en/research/a-tiny-rna-fragment-may-be-key-to-how-fasting-extends-lifespan · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-05-21_