Researchers at the Buck Institute have discovered a new compound, Mitophagy-Inducing Compound (MIC), which enhances the health of mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells. This natural coumarin, found in cinnamon and possessing various beneficial properties, extended the lifespan of C. elegans, improved neurodegenerative disease models, and enhanced mitochondrial function in mouse muscle cells. Published in Nature Aging on November 13, 2023, the study explores the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, heart failure, obesity, diabetes, muscle wasting, and cancer. MIC activates the transcription factor TFEB, a key regulator of autophagy and lysosomal functions, leading to increased lifespan in C. elegans and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in mammalian cells. The compound also inhibits FXR, linking the gut microbiome, bile acids, and neuronal health, offering potential therapeutic avenues for various age-related conditions. MIC is considered a promising geroprotective therapeutic, addressing the bottleneck in geroscience drug development.