Post by account_disabled on Feb 25, 2024 1:25:38 GMT -5
Reverses aging in mice
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have investigated why we age and identified a possible way to reverse it. In tests on mice, the team showed that epigenetic "software glitches" cause the symptoms of aging, and a system reset can reverse them, potentially extending lifespan.
Our genome contains our complete DNA blueprint, which is found in every cell in our body. But it's not the whole picture: An additional layer of information, known as the epigenome, sits on top and controls which genes are turned on and off in different types of cells. It's as if all the cells in our body are working from the same instruction manual (the genome), but the epigenome is like a table of contents that directs different cells to different chapters (genes). After all, lung cells need very different instructions than heart cells.
Environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and even childhood experiences could change epigenetic expression throughout our lives. Epigenetic changes have been linked to the rate of biological aging, but it is still unclear whether they drove the symptoms of aging or were a symptom in themselves.
For the new study, Harvard researchers conducted experiments on mice to find out. Using a system called inducible changes in the epigenome (ICE), the team accelerated the natural process of DNA damag C Level Executive List e and repair in mice, to see if this also accelerated the symptoms of aging.
With this, scientists say they have confirmed the role of the epigenome in aging. The next step was to test if we can do something about it, so the team administered a gene therapy cocktail of three genes, known as Oct, Sox and Klf These are active in stem cells and, in previous work, the team found they could be used to restore vision in mice with age-related glaucoma.
In this case, the ICE mice experienced a dramatic reduction in biomarkers of aging. Their epigenomes were deciphered, returning their tissues and organs to a more youthful state.
“It's like restarting a computer that's not working properly,” said David Sinclair, lead author of the study. “He launched an epigenetic program that led the cells to restore the epigenetic information they had when they were young. “It’s a permanent reset.”
This discovery is potentially huge, the team says. By addressing aging itself, many diseases that arise from this natural process could be treated more effectively.
“If correct, it means that cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's may have the same underlying cause that can be reversed to treat or cure age-related conditions with a single treatment,” Sinclair posted on Twitter .
While there is still much more research to be done before such lofty goals can be achieved, work is already underway. A preliminary paper , which has not yet been reviewed, administered the same gene therapy cocktail systemically to elderly mice, at an age equivalent to years in humans. These mice lived % longer than untreated mice.
IF CORRECT, IT MEANS THAT CANCER, DIABETES AND ALZHEIMER'S MAY HAVE THE SAME UNDERLYING CAUSE THAT CAN BE REVERSED TO TREAT OR CURE AGE-RELATED CONDITIONS WITH A SINGLE TREATMENT.
In mammalian cells, our chromosomes undergo up to a million DNA breaks per minute, and epigenetic factors very quickly coordinate the repairs before returning to their original locations. The team engineered mice that undergo DNA breaks at a rate three times faster than normal.
Over time, they found that epigenetic factors became more “distracted” and did not return home after repairing DNA breaks, causing the epigenome to become disordered. Sure enough, at the age of six months, the mice showed physical signs of aging, and appeared to be in much poorer health compared to unedited mice of the same age.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have investigated why we age and identified a possible way to reverse it. In tests on mice, the team showed that epigenetic "software glitches" cause the symptoms of aging, and a system reset can reverse them, potentially extending lifespan.
Our genome contains our complete DNA blueprint, which is found in every cell in our body. But it's not the whole picture: An additional layer of information, known as the epigenome, sits on top and controls which genes are turned on and off in different types of cells. It's as if all the cells in our body are working from the same instruction manual (the genome), but the epigenome is like a table of contents that directs different cells to different chapters (genes). After all, lung cells need very different instructions than heart cells.
Environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and even childhood experiences could change epigenetic expression throughout our lives. Epigenetic changes have been linked to the rate of biological aging, but it is still unclear whether they drove the symptoms of aging or were a symptom in themselves.
For the new study, Harvard researchers conducted experiments on mice to find out. Using a system called inducible changes in the epigenome (ICE), the team accelerated the natural process of DNA damag C Level Executive List e and repair in mice, to see if this also accelerated the symptoms of aging.
With this, scientists say they have confirmed the role of the epigenome in aging. The next step was to test if we can do something about it, so the team administered a gene therapy cocktail of three genes, known as Oct, Sox and Klf These are active in stem cells and, in previous work, the team found they could be used to restore vision in mice with age-related glaucoma.
In this case, the ICE mice experienced a dramatic reduction in biomarkers of aging. Their epigenomes were deciphered, returning their tissues and organs to a more youthful state.
“It's like restarting a computer that's not working properly,” said David Sinclair, lead author of the study. “He launched an epigenetic program that led the cells to restore the epigenetic information they had when they were young. “It’s a permanent reset.”
This discovery is potentially huge, the team says. By addressing aging itself, many diseases that arise from this natural process could be treated more effectively.
“If correct, it means that cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's may have the same underlying cause that can be reversed to treat or cure age-related conditions with a single treatment,” Sinclair posted on Twitter .
While there is still much more research to be done before such lofty goals can be achieved, work is already underway. A preliminary paper , which has not yet been reviewed, administered the same gene therapy cocktail systemically to elderly mice, at an age equivalent to years in humans. These mice lived % longer than untreated mice.
IF CORRECT, IT MEANS THAT CANCER, DIABETES AND ALZHEIMER'S MAY HAVE THE SAME UNDERLYING CAUSE THAT CAN BE REVERSED TO TREAT OR CURE AGE-RELATED CONDITIONS WITH A SINGLE TREATMENT.
In mammalian cells, our chromosomes undergo up to a million DNA breaks per minute, and epigenetic factors very quickly coordinate the repairs before returning to their original locations. The team engineered mice that undergo DNA breaks at a rate three times faster than normal.
Over time, they found that epigenetic factors became more “distracted” and did not return home after repairing DNA breaks, causing the epigenome to become disordered. Sure enough, at the age of six months, the mice showed physical signs of aging, and appeared to be in much poorer health compared to unedited mice of the same age.