A novel anti-aging compound induces autophagy by inhibiting EP300 histone acetyltransferase, leading to deacetylation of autophagy-related proteins. Which known anti-aging agent works by the same mechanism?

1. A

   A. Rapamycin

2. B

   B. Metformin

3. C

   C. Resveratrol

4. D

   D. Spermidine

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

• The question describes a specific mechanism for inducing autophagy: inhibiting the EP300 histone acetyltransferase.
• Spermidine is a polyamine that functions as a caloric restriction mimetic.
• Its primary mechanism for inducing autophagy is the inhibition of histone acetyltransferases, including EP300.
• This inhibition leads to the deacetylation and subsequent activation of essential autophagy-related proteins, promoting cellular cleanup and longevity.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Rapamycin induces autophagy by a different mechanism, which is the direct inhibition of the mTOR (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin) signaling pathway.
• Option B: Metformin's primary mechanism involves the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which then indirectly induces autophagy, partly by inhibiting mTOR.
• Option C: Resveratrol induces autophagy by activating SIRT1, which is a deacetylase enzyme. It promotes deacetylation by activation, not by inhibiting an acetyltransferase.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mechanisms of autophagy induction by anti-aging compounds as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Understanding the distinct mechanisms of anti-aging compounds is crucial for developing targeted therapies for age-related diseases like neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
• Nurses may encounter patients using these compounds as supplements or medications, and knowing their mechanisms helps in understanding potential effects and interactions.
• What if? If a patient is taking an mTOR inhibitor for cancer (e.g., everolimus), co-administration of Rapamycin could lead to excessive immunosuppression and other side effects. An agent with a different mechanism, like Spermidine, might be a safer consideration for inducing autophagy in such a patient.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the question to identify the specific molecular mechanism described. Here, it is the 'inhibition of EP300 histone acetyltransferase'.
• Next, review the options provided, which are all known anti-aging agents.
• Recall the primary mechanism of action for each agent in relation to autophagy.
• Compare the mechanism of each option with the one described in the question stem.
• Rapamycin inhibits mTOR. Metformin activates AMPK. Resveratrol activates SIRT1. Spermidine inhibits histone acetyltransferases.
• Select the option whose mechanism directly matches the one given in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Mechanisms of autophagy induction by anti-aging compounds
• Stem keywords: autophagy, anti-aging, EP300 histone acetyltransferase, deacetylation
• Lead-in keywords: same mechanism

Question ID

Qs5ZPfV9kZ8wfh1rD4hj0t

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1779-1781