First reversal of aging in an organ claimed
In Science, things we thought impossible becomes possible. Now, here is a breakthrough that is, way way, a million times better than cosmetics, surgery, liposuction, among others: Aging reversal!
I am hoping that once's this technology becomes fully developed, say in 15-20 years (when I am around 50 yrs old, hehehe); I already the money to pay for my own age reversal procedure, hehehe.
I am hoping that once's this technology becomes fully developed, say in 15-20 years (when I am around 50 yrs old, hehehe); I already the money to pay for my own age reversal procedure, hehehe.
On the news today:
Scientists are reporting what they say appears to be the first successful reversal of aging, at least in one organ: the skin of mice.
It’s unclear, they said, whether these results would hold up over the long term, and how one might apply the findings to humans. Yet the work is significant in that it shows a profound “rejuvenation” is at least partly possible in principle, the researchers said.
Past studies are thought to have identified activities that slow aging or undo some of its effects, but not reverse it at a fundamental, genetic level.
The new findings are described in the Dec. 15 cover paper of the research journal Genes & Development. The key to the process was blocking a gene called NF-kappa-B in the skin, said the scientists, led by Howard Chang of Stanford University School of Medicine in California.
“These findings suggest that aging is not just a result of wear and tear, but is also the consequence of a continually active genetic program that might be blocked for improving human health,” said Chang.
Chang and colleagues had previously identified NF-kappa-B as “master regulator” of aging-associated gene activation programs in humans and mice. In effect, the gene promotes the activity of an array of other genes implicated in aging. Chang’s team engineered a mouse with a gene that could counteract NF-kappa-B, but which was inactive by default. This blocking gene could be activated in the skin, though, by applying a special cream.
“So the mouse went through its lifespan and aged normally,” Chang said. But when the cream was added to a patch of skin, he added, there was a striking outcome. After two weeks of treatment, the researchers reported, both the gene activation profile and the tissue characteristics of the aged skin reverted to that of a young animal.
“The finding that aged skin can be ‘rejuvenated’ by a genetic intervention late in life implies that the aging program is plastic,” or flexible, Chang said. It “therefore can be potentially manipulated to decrease the deleterious effects of aging.” Future studies will focus on whether long-term treatment can maintain the results, and whether other organs can benefit similarly, he added.
Source: www.world-science.net
Scientists are reporting what they say appears to be the first successful reversal of aging, at least in one organ: the skin of mice.
It’s unclear, they said, whether these results would hold up over the long term, and how one might apply the findings to humans. Yet the work is significant in that it shows a profound “rejuvenation” is at least partly possible in principle, the researchers said.
Past studies are thought to have identified activities that slow aging or undo some of its effects, but not reverse it at a fundamental, genetic level.
The new findings are described in the Dec. 15 cover paper of the research journal Genes & Development. The key to the process was blocking a gene called NF-kappa-B in the skin, said the scientists, led by Howard Chang of Stanford University School of Medicine in California.
“These findings suggest that aging is not just a result of wear and tear, but is also the consequence of a continually active genetic program that might be blocked for improving human health,” said Chang.
Chang and colleagues had previously identified NF-kappa-B as “master regulator” of aging-associated gene activation programs in humans and mice. In effect, the gene promotes the activity of an array of other genes implicated in aging. Chang’s team engineered a mouse with a gene that could counteract NF-kappa-B, but which was inactive by default. This blocking gene could be activated in the skin, though, by applying a special cream.
“So the mouse went through its lifespan and aged normally,” Chang said. But when the cream was added to a patch of skin, he added, there was a striking outcome. After two weeks of treatment, the researchers reported, both the gene activation profile and the tissue characteristics of the aged skin reverted to that of a young animal.
“The finding that aged skin can be ‘rejuvenated’ by a genetic intervention late in life implies that the aging program is plastic,” or flexible, Chang said. It “therefore can be potentially manipulated to decrease the deleterious effects of aging.” Future studies will focus on whether long-term treatment can maintain the results, and whether other organs can benefit similarly, he added.
Source: www.world-science.net
