Can a New Study Reverse Aging?
Scientists claim to have reversed aging in mice, and are now planning human clinical trials. Their research indicates that breakdown in epigenetic information causes organisms to age rapidly, while rejuvenating it may reverse signs of aging.
Sinclair’s lab used four Yamanaka factors to reset their epigenetic history in aged cells. Three of these factors were then genetically added into a virus that targets retinal ganglion cells of older mice’s eyes, creating an effective targeted therapy.
1. Rejuvenate the Eye Nerves
Scientists have long sought ways to slow or even reverse human tissue aging and rejuvenation, yet the process remains elusive. Harvard Medical School researchers recently provided hope by showing mature nerve cells could be reprogrammed into acting like young ones when given three genes that promote new cell growth – their findings were published in Nature as a major breakthrough.
Scientists discovered that this reversal could be initiated by an Nfe3 protein found in retinal nerve cells of mice. When injured nerves received a protein which increased production of Nfe3, damaged nerves began to recover quickly, while older mouse eye cells exposed to normal aging experienced less nerve growth and repair than expected. By manipulating three genes simultaneously, researchers were also successful in reversing both glaucoma and age-related vision loss in their animals.
Researchers used epigenetic reprogramming, which allows them to alter how genes are activated or deactivated without altering their DNA sequence, in order to make their discoveries. Chromatin structures contain these epigenetic changes which alter gene activation/deactivation patterns; additionally, working alongside other groups they reactivated certain genes affected by aging processes.
Researchers also noted in their study that reprogrammed nerve cells within the eye were able to reconnect to optic fibers that carry visual information into the brain – this finding was of particular significance since disconnections in visual nerves can result in blindness in extreme cases.
Researchers will now test if their gene therapy can restore vision to those suffering from glaucoma. Their team plans on conducting additional animal work before starting clinical trials within two years; should their work prove successful, this could pave the way for therapies that promote tissue repair and reverse aging in other organs.
2. Reverse the Aging Process
Scientists have long searched for ways to halt or reverse the aging process since Ponce de Leon announced his search. At first, scientists thought aging resulted from mutations to DNA that caused genes to stop working properly and cause cell and tissue breakdown, eventually leading to disease, aging and eventually death. But recent research suggests this may not be entirely accurate: they now believe epigenetic regulation issues contribute significantly as well.
To test their theory, researchers created temporary but fast-healing breaks in the DNA of lab mice in order to simulate low-grade DNA damage that naturally occurs daily due to radiation, air pollution and certain chemicals. When these breaks healed, researchers observed age-related symptoms including grey fur, lower body weight despite eating normal food as well as reduced activity and frailty among the mice.
The team then used both genetic and chemical methods to reverse epigenetic clocks in these mice. After screening compounds known to restore epigenetic integrity in cells, in less than a week they identified six chemical cocktails which successfully reset chromatin structures and restored youthful gene expression patterns.
These chemicals were similar to Yamanaka factors that have previously been shown to reprogram senescent cells into stem cells and reverse some hallmarks of aging, however these new compounds did so without leading to uncontrolled cell growth or tumorigenesis in mice – suggesting they can safely be administered through oral pill form.
Research may help us gain a better understanding of how the aging process can be managed to prevent and treat age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration and frailty. Instead of treating each disease individually as it arises, reversing the aging process would enable us to eliminate many before they arise and increase life span and quality of life overall. It could even bring us one step closer towards realising effective whole body rejuvenation!
3. Reverse the Effects of Diabetes
Researchers are also working to combat the signs of aging by reprogramming cells within the body, which could reverse diabetes’ effects and enhance healing capabilities of cells. Scientists may even be able to use this strategy to prevent and treat diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Researchers have previously demonstrated that virally injecting Yamanaka factors into cells is capable of slowing and even reversing the aging process by switching on and off certain pathways that promote longevity and rejuvenation; however, their exact mechanisms remain unknown.
Nature Communications recently published a study offering some insight into how the gene NANOG works. According to researchers, NANOG inhibits methionine metabolism – a key process involved with cell aging – by blocking methionine uptake by myoblast cells from aged mice and those rejuvenated with NANOG expression. As shown by results of comparison experiments between groups of myoblast cells between groups that had received expression of NANOG or not, and the latter group. Methionine inhibition restores insulin sensitivity increases glucose uptake, and enhances regeneration post injury recovery significantly.
Nika Rajabian, PhD, from Andreadis Lab and Kirkwood Personius, PT, associate clinical professor in Rehabilitation Science Department at University at Buffalo collaborated on this study using cell models of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome – an inherited disorder in children that causes them to age much faster than normal – to test whether NANOG could reverse any signs of premature cellular aging caused by Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome and investigate its ability to reverse them.
These results demonstrate how NANOG can reprogramme stem cells and muscle cells into more youthful states by eliminating metabolic deficits and restoring epigenetic markings. This discovery opens up opportunities for developing small molecules similar to NANOG that restore metabolism while simultaneously reverse aging hallmarks such as DNA damage and inflammation.
Before this can happen, it is crucial that individuals remain physically active and follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Smoking should also be avoided while plenty of water should be drunk throughout the day. Furthermore, it is advisable to use sun protection and get regular dental check-ups.
4. Reverse the Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that erodes memory and thinking abilities over time. Alzheimer’s kills neurons involved with creating memories in specific areas of the brain, eventually leading to memory loss and increasing dependence on others as the disease advances.
No cure exists for Alzheimer’s, though medication may help manage symptoms and slow its progress. Therapy and support services may also be recommended as part of treatment options. Caregivers and family members should gain as much knowledge about this illness so they can ask pertinent questions and obtain optimal care from caregivers and services providers.
Scientists have made great advances in understanding Alzheimer’s disease, yet translating their understanding to effective treatments has proved challenging. Many trials of new medications have failed and no one drug has shown promise in stopping or reversing it; nonetheless, two Harvard doctors are developing entirely new approaches that provide hope of meaningful treatments in near future.
Scientists conducted an intensive search for molecules that could, when combined, reverse cell aging and rejuvenate cells. Among the factors discovered were Yamanaka factors which enabled cells to shed their senescent state and exhibit youthful characteristics; additionally, these factors erased genes linked with unchecked cell growth or cancer development.
Researchers then combined these reprogramming factors with interventions known to extend lifespan and improve function in various tissues, such as optic nerve, kidney, muscle and skin. Mice exposed to this reprogramming cocktail experienced decreased biological age as well as, in some instances, complete reversal of their senescent status.
This research marks a groundbreaking finding: it shows it is possible to turn back an epigenetic clock that determines one’s biological age. Of the nine healthy participants enrolled in California study, on average they aged back 2.5 years compared with their biological ages before entering. Researchers say this suggests combining health-promoting behaviors like healthy diet and recreational physical activity could delay Alzheimer’s and other diseases by altering an individual’s aging trajectory and delaying Alzheimer’s diagnosis.