Science & Technology

Scientists reveal anti-aging breakthrough

By T.K. Randall
December 15, 2016 ·  7 comments

Can reprogrammed cells help reverse the aging process ? Image Credit: sxc.hu "What we and other stem-cell labs have observed is that when you induce cellular reprogramming, cells look younger," said Salk Institute researcher Alejandro Ocampo.

"The next question was whether we could induce this rejuvenation process in a live animal."

It's an idea that has been attempted before, however during previous experiments the mice tended to develop tumors because the treatment caused cells to start dividing uncontrollably.

To avoid this, the researchers temporarily altered four genes involved in cellular programming."In other studies scientists have completely reprogrammed cells all the way back to a stem-cell-like state," said study co-author Pradeep Reddy.

"But we show, for the first time, that by expressing these factors for a short duration you can maintain the cell's identity while reversing age-associated hallmarks."

The results of the study indicated a 30% increase in the life span of prematurely aged mice.

"Obviously, mice are not humans and we know it will be much more complex to rejuvenate a person," said Professor Izpisua Belmonte.

"But this study shows that ageing is a very dynamic and plastic process, and therefore will be more amenable to therapeutic interventions than what we previously thought."

Source: Independent | Comments (7)

Tags: Aging, Mouse