A BREAKTHROUGH by British scientists could slow down or even stop the ageing process, it has been revealed.

Boffins at Nottingham University have found a specific protein inside a certain part of cells which seems to be the cause of ageing.

2 Scientists at Nottingham University have found a specific protein inside a certain part of cells which they believe could control the ageing process Credit: Getty Images

The discovery of the protein, called carbonic anhydrase, could lead to the development of new medicines to slow the effects of ageing - or even halt the progression of debilitating conditions such as dementia.

During the study, tests showed higher levels of carbonic anhydrase in the brain and muscle cells of older mice.

Crucially, there was also larger amounts of it in young mice who already had some brain degeneration.

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After carrying out this assessment, researchers then fed carbon anhydrase to 1mm-long nematode worms - and found doing so reduced their life span.

Now, work is continuing to identify chemical compounds, known as "inhibitors", which could reduce levels of carbonic anhydrase in cells' mitochondria - the "batteries" of the human body's cells, which convert oxygen into energy.

Dr Lisa Chakrabarti, who led the study with PhD student Amelia Pollard, said: "This could be a key to slowing down or reversing some of the signs of ageing.

2 The discovery of the protein, called carbonic anhydrase, could lead to the development of new medicines to slow the effects of ageing – or even halt the progression of debilitating conditions such as dementia Credit: Getty Images

"What's really exciting about this development is that we have been able to surmise that the function of this protein is playing a role in the ageing process within the cell.

"On the face of it, it's quite a simple study, and it's strange it's never been done before.

"But these are the things we need to be looking at. Everybody gets old, but we don't have to get crumbly with it."

She added: "We think that energy, and energetic processes, are really important for how you age.

"This could potentially offer a significant new avenue in both tackling degenerative illnesses and the general effects of ageing on the body."