American scientists have successfully tested a method to reverse multiple signs of aging in humans using a preclinical model.
A team from the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas (USA) reported that they have identified a molecule that reduces inflammation associated with aging and enhances certain functions that would otherwise diminish with age.
In a study recently published in the scientific journal Cell, they demonstrated that restoring youthful levels of a specific subunit of telomerase enzyme can indeed help the body “turn back time.”
American scientists have discovered both the “key” to longevity and how to use that key to reverse aging – (Illustration AI: Anh Thư).
Telomerase has long been known for its crucial role in protecting and maintaining the length of chromosomes.
It acts like a helmet, protecting chromosomes from damage during cell division.
However, with each cell division, telomeres shorten slightly. This process symbolizes aging. When telomeres become too short, cells stop dividing or die.
The MD Anderson scientists identified a small molecular compound called TERT that has the ability to restore physiological levels of telomeres.
Maintaining TERT levels in preclinical models in the laboratory reduced cellular aging and tissue inflammation, promoting the formation of new neurons.
This improvement enhances memory, boosts neuromuscular function, increases strength, and improves coordination.
Moreover, TERT not only extends telomeres but also acts as a transcription factor influencing the expression of many genes that regulate neurogenesis, learning and memory, cellular aging, and inflammation.
The natural decline of TERT over time is associated with the aging process through various mechanisms.
Consequently, they moved on to the next step, screening 650,000 compounds, leading to the identification of a small molecular TERT-activating compound (TAC) that can epigenetically relieve the repression of the TERT gene and restore the physiological expression found in youthful cells.
In preclinical models equivalent to adults over 75 years old, treatment with TAC over six months resulted in the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus – the center for learning, memory, cognition, and navigation…
Additionally, there was an increase in genes related to learning, memory, and various other attributes, resulting in a true reversal of aging.
TAC also improved neuromuscular function, coordination, grip strength, and speed in these models, reversing muscle atrophy.
Furthermore, treatment with TAC on human cell lines increased telomere synthesis with a reduction in DNA damage signals at telomeres and expanded these cells’ proliferative potential.
There is still a long way to go before clinical trials and ultimately a widely applicable treatment can be achieved.
Nevertheless, this marks a hopeful beginning in the journey towards combating age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, and cancer, helping people achieve a “healthy lifespan.”
