Life expectancy in mice successfully increased with gene therapy
Scientists reprogrammed the genes of mice to prolong their lives. The experiment was successful. The preprint of the study is published on bioRxiv.Researchers at biotech startup Rejuvenate Bio announced a successful experiment to rejuvenate and extend life in mice. The company used gene therapy to add three powerful reprogramming genes to the bodies of mice that were equivalent in age to 77-year-old humans.
After the treatment, their remaining lifespan doubled, the company said. The treated mice lived an average of 18 more weeks, while the control mice died after nine weeks. Overall, the treated mice lived about 7 percent longer.
The principle behind the technology involves targeting mature (old) cells with proteins or genes found in early embryonic stages. Such impact rejuvenates the cells, returning them to the stem stage, and is called cell reprogramming.
The authors of the development note: although the increase is relatively small (9 weeks), in the context of the overall lifespan of wild mice in the laboratory (2-3 years), it is a great result. However, the researchers say that it is too early to draw conclusions about the possibility of using similar technology in humans: more research is needed on possible side effects, for example, active reprogramming of genes can cause cancer.
Much more information will be needed to know exactly what changes the reprogramming causes in mice. The authors of the study hope that the promising result can be replicated in new experiments, and eventually safe rejuvenation can be applied to humans as well.