Scientists succeed in reversing the aging process in mice

As organisms age, their cells make different patterns of chemicals in their DNA - so

called epigenetic markers - bycompared to those present in younger mice. Previous research has shown that adding a mixture of four reprogramming molecules known as "Yamanaka factors" (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and cMyc) to aging cells can return epigenetic markers to their original patterns.

In a 2016 study, this method successfullywas used to combat the signs of aging and increase lifespan in mice with premature aging disease. What’s more, in a follow-up study in 2021, the scientists found that even in young mice, “Yamanaka factors” can speed up muscle regeneration. Other researchers have used the same approach to improve brain, heart, and optic nerve function.

In a new study, scientists from the Salk Institutetested variants of the approach to cellular regeneration in healthy animals as they age. One group of mice received regular doses of "Yamanaka Factors" at 15 to 22 months of age (equivalent to 50 to 70 years of age in humans), another group at 12 to 22 months of age (35 to 70 years of age in humans), and the last group was only treated for a month when they were already 25 months old (similar to 80 years of age in humans).

“We wanted to establish that the use of thisapproach for a longer period of time is safe. Indeed, we did not see any negative effects on the health, behavior or body weight of animals, ”said Pradeep Reddy, one of the co-authors of the study, a research fellow at the Salk Institute.

In fact, mice treated forseven to ten months old, over time began to resemble younger animals, and in the event of cell damage, their skin had a greater ability to proliferate (growth of body tissue by cell division) and was less likely to form irreversible scars. What's more, the metabolic molecules in their blood showed no age-related changes. The findings suggest that these therapies not only halt aging, but actively reverse it.

“We want to bring back the sustainability and functioningold cells so that they are more resistant to stress, injury and disease. This study shows that, at least in mice, it is possible to achieve this,” concluded Dr. Reddy.

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