Genome editing technology enables researchers to make precise modifications to DNA. This has opened the way for innovative strategies to combat aging and age-related diseases.
Sinclair Lab utilized CRISPR technology to reprogram skin cells into acting like embryonic stem cells, thus repairing damage associated with progeria.
Reverse Aging
Researchers have used CRISPR to develop cells with self-repairing capabilities, opening the door for potential anti-aging therapies to use such cells to combat aging. Life Extension Magazine sent Gregory Fahy to Harvard University and interviewed Dr. George Church, one of the leaders in this area of research.
Church’s lab has successfully reprogramed cells in mice to behave like embryonic stem cells, which can become any cell type within an organism without altering genetic identities or creating mutations. They achieved this without altering genetic codes that determine an organism’s identity or causing mutations.
Instead, they created thousands of breaks in mice DNA without impacting genes; this allowed the mice to remain free of mutations while still having healthy, functioning cells. Furthermore, the breaks also altered how DNA folded to mimic damage caused by chemicals, sunlight and other daily insults that cause aging.
Studies suggest that reprogramming could restore cells to their youthful properties to extend lifespan without undoing mutations (Lu et al, 2023). However, full body rejuvenation would require dedifferentiating specific lineage identities which might not be feasible or ethical.
Reduces Wrinkles
Wrinkles are an inevitable part of growing older, but you can mitigate their appearance through proper skin care practices. Smoking cessation, sun protection, alcohol moderation and getting adequate rest and nutrition are all proven ways to protect the skin against wrinkles. You could also invest in anti-ageing skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides as additional protection from wrinkles.
Denitsa Milanova, George Church’s engineer-biotechnologist protege, quietly formed Marble, offering an entirely new vision for whole-body rejuvenation. Operating in stealth mode without an official website, Marble has developed methods to reverse cell aging through rejuvenation therapies and reverse the aging process.
CRISPR technology–an effective genetic tool used to combat microorganisms by cutting their DNA–is being deployed by this company to make precise changes to genes within cells and organisms, with hopes that physicians could regulate or “edit” patients’ genomes to halt aging processes and treat many diseases more effectively. Researchers have demonstrated how breakdown in how DNA is organized and regulated — known as epigenetics — contributes to aging processes.
Reduces Age Spots
Scientists once believed that aging resulted from genetic mutations which prevented more genes from working properly, but recent research indicates there are other influences at play – specifically changes to how DNA is organized and regulated known as epigenetics.
Scientists recently utilized CRISPR gene-editing tool to delete bits of DNA in cells that simulate aging. They then searched through this DNA for genes whose lack prevented cellular senescence in two types of premature human cell lines that carry disease-causing mutations known as Werner syndrome and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome mutations; one gene named KAT7 appeared as one such candidate gene that alleviated cell senescence.
They then performed several screenings using KAT7 gene insertion into old mouse cells and observed how these cells began acting like young stem cells reversing some hallmarks of aging. Furthermore, they identified other genetic interventions which also appeared to improve NSC function – these may serve as potential candidates for anti-ageing drugs in future clinical trials. Finally, their team hopes to create a scalable platform which could identify other genes or pathways targeted with therapeutic interventions as ways of slowing or even reversing the aging process.
