An end to grey hair and crows-feet could be just 10years away after scientists demonstrated it is possible to reverse ageing in animals.
Using a new technique which takes adult cells back to their embryonic form, US researchers at the Salk Institute in California, showed it was possible to reverse ageing in mice, allowing the animals to not only look younger but also extend life span up to 30%.
The Science behind:
The technique involves stimulating 4 genes which are particularly active during development in the womb. It also turns the human skin cells’ clock in the lab. Scientists hope to eventually to create a drug which can mimic the effect of these genes that could even reverse the ageing process. It is predicted that it would take around 10 years to get human trials.
“Our study shows that ageing may not have to proceed in one single direction,” said Dr Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, a professor in Salk’s Gene Expression Laboratory. “With careful modulation, aging might be reversed. “Obviously, mice are not humans and we know it will be much more complex to rejuvenate a person. But this study shows that ageing is a very dynamic and plastic process, and therefore will be more amenable to therapeutic interventions than what we previously thought.”
Scientists have known for some time that the four genes, that are collectively known as Yamanaka factors, could turn adult cells back to their stem cell state, where they can grow into any part of the body. It was always feared that it could damage the organs made from the cells and may even trigger cancer. However, it was discovered that stimulating the genes intermittently reversed ageing, without causing any adverse effects.
In mice with premature ageing disease, the treatment addressed signs of ageing and increased their longevity by 30%. If it worked similarly in humans, it could allow people to live more than 100 years. In healthy mice it also aided in healing damaged organs faster.
Other study:
“Scientists have completely reprogrammed cells at the way back to a stem-cell like state” says co-first author Pradeep Reddy, also a Salk research associate.
“But we show, for the first time, that by expressing these factors for a short duration you can maintain the cell’s identity while reversing age-associated hallmarks.”
This breakthrough could also help people stay healthier for longer. With the ageing population, the risk of developing age-related diseases, such as dementia, cancer and heart diseases also rises. But if the body could be kept younger for longer period then it could prevent many deadly diseases for decades.