Scientists have figured out how to reverse aging without genetic engineering
Researchers have come up with a new way to fight aging and age-related diseases.Scientists from Harvard Medical School have for the first time used a chemical approach to reprogram cells into a younger state. Previously, this was achieved only with the help of powerful gene therapy.
The scientists' research is based on the fact that the expression of specific genes, Yamanaka factors, turns adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This Nobel Prize-winning discovery raised the question of whether cell aging can be reversed without rejuvenating cells too much and turning them cancerous.
The authors of the new study tested molecules that, in combination, could reverse cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. They developed high-throughput analytical techniques to distinguish young cells from old and senescent cells in real time. Ultimately, the scientists identified six chemical "cocktails" that restored genome profiles to youthful states and reversed transcriptome age in less than a week. VC6TF, where V is valproic acid, C is the chemical compound CHIR-99021, 6 is the inhibitor E-616452, T is tranylcypromine and F is forskolin, caused the most powerful rejuvenation. Details of the scientists' findings are in the study.
The study authors believe they have made advances in the treatment of aging, injury and age-related diseases. "Until recently, the best we could do was to slow aging. Now it looks like we can reverse it. This process previously required gene therapy, limiting its widespread use," said David A. Sinclair, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School and lead researcher on the project.