The endogenous protein RAGE, which has usually been negatively associated with chronic inflammation and diabetic complications, plays a major role in the repair of DNA damage—and also appears to heal tissue damaged as a result of accelerated cell senescence. This molecular mechanism was described in a study by scientists from Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Center for Diabetes Research, which was publshed In the October issue of the journal Nucleic Acids Research. They discovered the potential therapeutic benefit of the protein in mice that are unable to produce RAGE. As a result of the limited DNA repair, they develop pronounced pulmonary fibrosis, i.e. scarring in the lungs. After treatment with the protein, the scarring healed.