Reversal of Cellular Aging: A team led by Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard Medical School discovered a method to chemically induce the reversal of cellular aging. This breakthrough involves reprogramming cells to restore their youthful state, with potential applications ranging from improved eyesight to treatment of various age-related diseases. The discovery could reduce the cost and timeline for developing anti-aging treatments compared to traditional gene therapy methodsPhys.org
AI in Anti-Aging Drug Discovery: Integrated Biosciences used artificial intelligence to discover new senolytic compounds that target senescent cells, which are associated with aging and various diseases. This AI-driven approach allowed them to identify three promising compounds from a vast chemical space, demonstrating superior efficacy and drug-like properties compared to existing options, potentially accelerating the development of effective anti-aging therapies SciTech Daily
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a molecule that may significantly reduce age-related inflammation and enhance brain and muscle function in preclinical models. Their findings suggest that restoring ‘youthful’ levels of a specific component of the telomerase enzyme could potentially reverse signs of aging and alleviate symptoms of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, and cancer.
#Aging: What are the 2 ages the body undergoes major changes?
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that humans undergo two major changes in their molecules and microorganisms around ages 44 and 60.https://t.co/5UR5ngU2Nv— anna sanfilippo (@Scumezza) September 2, 2024
The study, published in the journal Cell, identified a small molecule compound that restores levels of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a subunit of the telomerase enzyme that is typically suppressed with age. By maintaining TERT levels in aged laboratory models, the researchers observed a reduction in cellular aging and tissue inflammation. Additionally, the restoration of TERT spurred the formation of new neurons, improved memory, and enhanced neuromuscular function, which resulted in increased strength and coordination.
The study revealed that TERT does more than just extend telomeres; it also functions as a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in neurogenesis, learning, memory, cellular aging, and inflammation. “Epigenetic repression of TERT plays a major role in the cellular decline seen at the onset of aging,” explained Dr. Ronald DePinho, the study’s corresponding author. “By pharmacologically restoring youthful TERT levels, we reprogrammed the expression of those genes, leading to improved cognition and muscle performance, while eliminating markers associated with many age-related diseases.”
Aging is associated with various genetic changes that contribute to physical and functional decline. One key feature of aging is the gradual shortening of telomeres, which are structures at the ends of chromosomes that help maintain their stability. Over time, telomeres become shorter and damaged, leading to a continuous DNA damage response that can result in cellular aging and inflammation, conditions that are often precursors to diseases like cancer.
Molecules to Prevent Skin Aging: Scientists at the University of Exeter have developed new drug molecules that protect against skin aging caused by sun exposure. These molecules target specific cellular pathways to prevent damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which could help in developing treatments that slow down skin aging and improve skin healthScienceDaily
Telomerase is an enzyme complex responsible for extending telomeres, but its activity diminishes with age due to the epigenetic suppression of TERT, particularly during natural aging or in diseases like Alzheimer’s. Dr. DePinho’s previous research showed that turning off the TERT gene in live models caused premature aging, a condition that could be reversed by reactivating TERT. His team’s observations suggested that TERT might have other roles beyond its known function of extending telomeres, prompting the development of a new drug to restore TERT levels.
The research team screened over 650,000 compounds and identified a small-molecule TERT activating compound (TAC) that can epigenetically reactivate the TERT gene. In preclinical models resembling adults over the age of 75, TAC treatment over six months led to new neuron formation in the hippocampus, which is vital for memory, and improved cognitive performance. The treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in age-related inflammation and eliminated senescent cells by suppressing the p16 gene, a key factor in cellular aging.
TAC was also found to improve neuromuscular function, coordination, and grip strength in these models, effectively reversing sarcopenia, a condition characterized by declining muscle mass and performance with age. Furthermore, TAC treatment in human cell lines increased telomere synthesis and extended the cells’ capacity to divide, suggesting that TAC has the potential to restore cellular function in aging human tissues.
Aging might not be as gradual as we think! New research shows significant spurts of aging at the mid-40s and early 60s.
This surprising discovery helps explain sudden health risks like heart disease and muscle loss.
By tracking thousands of molecules, scientists noticed these pic.twitter.com/iausMC6PDV
— Science & Stuff (@techrandm) September 1, 2024
“These preclinical results are promising, as TAC is effectively absorbed by all tissues, including the central nervous system,” said Dr. DePinho. “However, more studies are needed to assess its safety and efficacy in long-term treatments. Our enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind aging has revealed promising drug targets, providing new opportunities to prevent or mitigate various age-related diseases.”
The study highlights the potential for innovative therapies to address aging and age-related diseases, but further clinical trials will be necessary to determine if these findings can translate into effective treatments for humans.
Key Points:
i. Researchers discovered a molecule that restores telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) levels, reducing age-related inflammation and enhancing brain and muscle function in preclinical models.
ii. molecule, identified as TERT activating compound (TAC), showed potential in reversing signs of aging and alleviating symptoms of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
iii. TAC treatment led to new neuron formation, reduced inflammation, and improved neuromuscular function, suggesting its effectiveness in combating aging.
iv. The study revealed that TERT also functions as a transcription factor, influencing genes involved in learning, memory, and inflammation.
v. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of TAC in long-term treatments for age-related diseases.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
