Tier 3 — preclinical

Urolithin A induces mitophagy and prolongs lifespan in C. elegans and increases muscle function in rodents

Ryu D, Mouchiroud L, Andreux PA, Katsyuba E, Moullan N, Nicolet-Dit-Félix AA, Williams EG, Jha P, Lo Sasso G, Huzard D, Aebischer P, Sandi C, Rinsch C, Auwerx J
Nature Medicine 2016 22(8):879-888

Bibliography

PubMed
PMID 27400265
DOI
10.1038/nm.4132
Funding
The paper includes academic and Amazentis-affiliated investigators; commercial affiliations should be considered when interpreting translational claims.
Competing interests
Several authors were affiliated with Amazentis SA, the company that later commercialized Urolithin A as Mitopure.

Study snapshot

DesignMulti-model mechanistic preclinical study combining cell, C. elegans, mouse and rat experiments
ModelC. elegans, mouse models of age-related muscle decline, young rats, and cellular systems
SampleMultiple preclinical cohorts across worm and rodent experiments
InterventionUrolithin A administered in experimental dietary/oral regimens
DurationVaried by model
EndpointsMitophagy; Mitochondrial respiratory function; C. elegans lifespan and mobility; Rodent exercise capacity and muscle function

What the study showed, in plain terms

This 2016 Nature Medicine paper is the foundational Urolithin A study. It identified Urolithin A as a mitophagy inducer, extended lifespan and preserved activity in C. elegans, and improved muscle function or exercise capacity in rodent models. It established the biological rationale that later human trials tested.

Key findings

Urolithin A induced mitophagy in vitro and in vivo.

In C. elegans, Urolithin A reduced age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and extended lifespan.

Rodent experiments reported improved exercise capacity and muscle function.

What this study can and cannot tell us

Preclinical evidence cannot establish human longevity or clinical benefit.

The models, doses and exposure patterns do not translate directly to consumer supplementation.

Commercial affiliations were present in the research program.

Editorial review

Reviewed by the Biohack Blueprint research team

Last verified

Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, MBBChCritical Care Medicine, Longevity Science & Editorial Direction Dr. Amr Yasser, PhDCardiometabolic, Musculoskeletal, Gut & Bioavailability Dr. Abdulla Mostafa, PhDCellular Senescence, Neurological, Mitochondrial & Brain-Ageing Biology