Exercise helps aging muscles “reset” by lowering DEAF1 gene, study finds

A new study suggests exercise can help reverse aspects of muscle aging by targeting a gene called DEAF1.

Researchers from Singapore General Hospital, Cardiff University and Duke-NUS found that DEAF1 levels rise as we get older. Higher DEAF1 overactivates the mTORC1 growth pathway, causing muscle cells to build new protein but fail to clear damaged protein. That imbalance drives strength loss.

The study showed that physical activity activates proteins that lower DEAF1, restoring balance between protein production and cleanup. In experiments with fruit flies and older mice, lowering DEAF1 improved muscle strength, while raising it accelerated decline.

“Exercise tells muscles to ‘clean up and reset,’” said first author Priscillia Choy Sze Mun. “Lowering DEAF1 helps older muscles regain strength and balance, almost like hitting the rewind button.”

The team says the discovery could lead to therapies that mimic exercise benefits for people who cannot be active due to illness or surgery. However, in cases where DEAF1 is extremely high, exercise alone may not be enough.

The work underscores why regular movement is critical for healthy aging and independence.