Aging is a complex physiological process that includes many changes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels.
This process is characterized by a chronic dysregulation of cellular processes, leading to a gradual deterioration in the function of the tissues and organs.
As a result, the organism's ability to cope with environmental challenges decreases, and the likelihood of developing age-related diseases increases.
Preventing aging and improving the health of the elderly:
Although the aging process cannot be completely prevented, its effects on the life expectancy and health of the elderly can be minimized.
This can be done through therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring these cellular processes to optimal function.
Studies on partial reprogramming:
Recent studies have demonstrated that partial reprogramming of cells using Yamanka factors (or a subset of them: OCT4, SOX2 and KLF4; OSK) can reverse age-related changes both in vitro (in vitro) and in animals (in vivo). Yamanka factors are transcription factors whose role is to regulate gene expression.
Their overexpression in mature cells causes them to lose their unique characteristics and return to a embryonic stem cell-like state.
These cells, called "iPS cells", can be directed to differentiate into any cell type in the body.
Extending life span in mice:
Until now, it was not known whether Yamanaka factors (or a subset) were able to extend the life span of healthy adult mice.
This study examines this question.
Research results:
The effect of treatment on life expectancy:
The study found that injecting viruses encoding the inducible OSK system into healthy 124-week-old male mice caused a significant extension of lifespan.
The median lifespan of these mice increased by 109% compared to healthy control mice.
This means that treated mice lived an average of 109% longer than untreated mice.
The effect of the treatment on the health of the mice:
In addition to extending life span, a significant improvement in frailty scores was observed in the treated mice.
Frailty scores reflect the organism's ability to deal with environmental challenges, such as infections, injuries and stress.
This improvement indicates that the treatment not only extended the lifespan, but also improved the health of the mice.
The effect of the treatment on epigenetic markers:
The study found that the expression of Yamanka factors in human skin cells (keratinocytes) causes the reversal of age-related epigenetic markers.
These markers reflect the genetic activity history of the cell.
The reversal of these markers indicates a potential re-regulation of genetic networks to a younger, potentially healthier state.
Explanation about OSK:
OSK is an acronym for three Yamanaka factors: OCT4, SOX2 and KLF4.
These factors are transcription factors whose role is to regulate gene expression.
Their overexpression in mature cells causes them to lose their unique characteristics and return to a embryonic stem cell-like state.
These cells, called "iPS cells" are embryonic stem cells that can be directed to differentiate into any cell type in the body.
Importance of research:
The results of the study indicate a tremendous therapeutic potential of partial reprogramming using Yamanaka factors.
This technology may be used in the future to treat age-related diseases and improve the health and quality of life of the elderly.
Effects and results:
These results may have important implications for the development of new therapeutic interventions aimed at reversing age-related diseases and improving the health and quality of life of the elderly. Partial reprogramming may be an innovative and effective therapeutic strategy in the field of anti-aging medicine.
The full study:
