David Sinclair is a geneticist and longevity researcher. His studies focus on understanding how genes and cells control ageing processes; this has led him to create numerous supplements and techniques designed to slow aging.
His personal regimen involves taking resveratrol, found in red wine and certain berries, olive oil and probiotic supplements as well as NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide) supplements.
How does it work?
Sinclair has made an impactful name for himself as an innovator of biotech companies and millions invested in his longevity movement, drawing fans who swear by his lifestyle tips. However, some critics allege he takes his claims about reversing aging too far – glorifying unproven supplements from companies with which he has financial interests or glorifying unproven products that bear his financial interests.
Sinclair made his initial discovery while working on yeast; specifically that genes responsible for aging could be turned off with specific proteins added to their environment. From here he gained insight into whether similar principles might hold true in other animals as well. Since then he has collaborated with other researchers in searching for methods of resetting genomes of living animals without altering their identities or disrupting their identities.
Sinclair’s lab has achieved remarkable results by rejuvenating senescent cells without damaging them – these rejuvenated cells appear and act like younger versions and can even differentiate into different kinds of body cells! This discovery marks a great advancement in efforts to slow and reverse aging.
Sinclair and his team recently developed a cocktail of chemicals that can reset the genomes of senescent cells in living animals. When administered subcutaneously or via injection into eye, brain, muscle or kidney tissues in mice, the mix rejuvenates them so they no longer exhibit signs of aging.
Researchers accomplished this through the implementation of an innovative technique known as ICE, or inducible changes to the epigenome. This method alters how DNA folds, decreasing errors that could trigger mutations or cancer – an especially relevant concept considering that mutations that result from cell reprogramming contribute directly to aging processes.
Sinclair and her team injected the reprogramming cocktail into retinal ganglion cells located in the back of blind mice’s eyes, where it restored them back to their youthful condition and enabled the mice to gain eyesight again. Researchers plan on testing this procedure on other parts of the body such as brain, muscle, and kidney cells.
What are the side effects?
Harvard geneticist and longevity expert David Sinclair claims to have created the first pill or beef-flavored chew that has actually been scientifically proven to reverse aging, sparking widespread media interest in his story.
One key point about his story should be clarified, however: His work is still very early stage and until there are therapies ready to be tested on humans it’s impossible to know whether they will be both safe and effective.
He is currently conducting research into an essential nutrient called NAD, found both in plants and animals alike. Like a vitamin, it plays an essential role in producing energy for cell signaling as well as decreasing aging in mice by increasing NAD levels and restoring methylation and gene expression in aged cells. His lab has demonstrated how a breakdown in epigenetic information contributes to aging; they’ve developed strategies to correct it.
To achieve this, they engineered mice that produce an enzyme capable of breaking DNA at 20 sites across their genome – this mimics the low-grade breaks seen every day in mammalian chromosomes. Next, they gave these mice a cocktail of drugs known to boost SIRT1 activity and slow aging by increasing NAD levels and slowing cellular processes such as the SIRT1/sirtuin pathway.
Initial results were promising: the mice appeared to age faster than expected and showed signs of poor health such as muscle atrophy and kidney deterioration, but after a few weeks of treatment returned to their usual patterns of aging – suggesting that epigenetic errors are responsible for most forms of aging rather than mutations within DNA itself.
Sinclair, who holds both professor of genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research positions at Harvard Medical School, made several controversial claims regarding how humans could extend lifespans or even reverse aging. Unfortunately, his claims were met with intense criticism by fellow longevity researchers; consequently, Sinclair stepped down as president of an organization promoting future longevity research in June 2023.
How long will it take?
Sinclair has conducted extensive research into the genetic and cellular mechanisms of ageing and has found it possible to manipulate some switches to reverse some effects of ageing and extend lifespan. He has conducted studies focusing on NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)’s role in ageing; increasing its levels can slow down this process of aging; while his other research involved increasing levels of SIRT1 protein which removes damaged DNA – by raising levels it’s possible to reduce damage to genome while also preventing diseases like cancer or even dementia arising.
Sinclair’s research has demonstrated that it is possible to adjust the biological clock that governs aging and discovered certain lifestyle choices can have an enormously positive impact on longevity, such as fasting, caloric restriction and eating foods rich in antioxidants. He proposes that this combination could help slow the aging process and extend lifespan.
Sinclair and her team recently conducted research demonstrating they could reverse aging in mice by restoring lost epigenetic information. Researchers created temporary, fast-healing cuts in lab mice DNA before inducing epigenetic events to simulate low-grade damage that mammalian cells experience every day from factors like breathing, sun exposure and chemical exposure. Finally, the team administered gene therapy that reversed epigenetic changes and restored youth-appearing mice – an effect similar to rebooting a computer, as described by Sinclair himself.
Sinclair enjoys several interests outside of scientific work, such as meditation and outdoor activities such as long walks in nature and kayaking. He’s also mindful of his health; using epigenetic tests he regularly evaluates his biological age. Furthermore, he avoids foods known to cause sugar spikes while leading an active lifestyle and takes red wine-derived resveratrol pills which has been shown to extend longevity.
Is it safe?
Harvard geneticist David Sinclair is one of the faceless icons of longevity research, garnering billions in investment and gaining millions in followership. But recently he has come under scrutiny for making claims which many believed to be exaggerated. Sinclair co-founded companies which develop supplements and techniques intended to extend life. Additionally, he serves as president of an organization dedicated to longevity work; yet scientists say his claims regarding his product reversing aging in dogs may have gone too far.
Animal Bioscience issued a press release featuring Sinclair’s claims of having created the first supplement which had been proven to reverse aging in dogs. While he didn’t disclose exactly what its “chemical cocktail” consisted of, Sinclair noted it contained anti-seizure medication known as valproic acid for migraine and mood disorders as well as antioxidant properties which could potentially slow cellular aging and could therefore help reverse it. Other ingredients of the product include an amino acid called methylsulfonylmethane which reduces inflammation while improving insulin sensitivity in mice.
Though his lab’s research demonstrates that converting adult cells back to pluripotent stem cells can rejuvenate some tissues, its safety or effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. Once fully converted back to stem cells from adult cells, they lose their identities as blood, heart, skin or other types of tissue types and cannot turn on any genes needed for regeneration – effectively rendering themselves incapable of healing themselves.
Sinclair’s team has devised an innovative method for turning on specific genes, which has been shown to significantly extend the lives of yeast, mice and dogs. The technique involves creating temporary, fast-healing cuts in laboratory mice’s DNA; this mimics low-grade and ongoing breaks that mammalian cells experience due to breathing, exposure to sunlight or cosmic rays and contact with chemicals; therefore producing mice treated using this technique that appeared and behaved youthful again.
Sinclair has championed the notion that aging should be recognized as a disease, and has developed a pill designed to increase levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an important coenzyme which regulates cell energy and improves insulin sensitivity while countering mitochondrial dysfunction – all symptoms associated with age.
