Reversing aging. Scientists figured out how to “reset” the body several years

Our genome contains the entire set of our DNA found in every cell in our body. But that’s not the whole picture – there’s an additional layer of information on it, known as the epigenome, that controls which genes are turned on and off in different cell types. It’s as if every cell in our body works according to the same guide (genome), but the epigenome is like a table of contents that directs different cells to different heads (genes). After all, lung cells need very different instructions than heart cells.

Environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and even childhood experiences can alter epigenetic expression throughout our lives. Epigenetic changes have been associated with the biological rate of aging, but it remains unclear whether they cause signs of aging or are themselves a symptom.

For a new study, Harvard scientists conducted experiments on mice to find out. Using a system called inducible changes to the epigenome (ICE), the team sped up the natural process of DNA damage and repair in mice to see if it also accelerated symptoms of aging.

In mammalian cells, our chromosomes undergo a million DNA breaks per minute, and epigenetic factors (specific proteins) coordinate repair very quickly. A team of scientists has created mice that break DNA three times faster than normal.

Over time, they discovered that the epigenetic factors became more “distracted” and did not return “home” after repairing the DNA breaks, which led to the epigenome disorder. In fact, at six months of age, the mice showed signs of physical aging and were much worse off compared to untreated mice of the same age.

Thus, the scientists say, they confirm the role of the epigenome in aging. The next step was to see if we could do anything about it, so the team introduced a gene therapy cocktail made up of three genes known as Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4. They are active in stem cells, and in previous work the team found that they could be used to restore vision in mice with age-related glaucoma.

In this case, the ICE mice showed a dramatic decrease in aging biomarkers. He deciphered the epigenomes, tissues and organs and restored them to a younger state.

“It’s like rebooting a broken computer,” said David Sinclair, senior author of the study. [Это] started an epigenetic program that caused cells to restore the epigenetic information they had when they were young. This is a permanent reset.”

According to the team, this discovery is potentially very valuable. By combating aging in this way, many of the diseases that result from this natural process can be treated more effectively.

“This means that cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s can all have the same underlying cause that can be addressed to treat age-related diseases through a single mechanism,” Sinclair wrote.

Although there is still much research to be done to achieve such lofty goals, work is already being done. In another study, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, the same gene therapy cocktail was systematically administered to aged mice equivalent to 77 years of age in humans. These mice lived 9% longer than untreated mice.

Focus has previously written about why people age. Scientists say the new research helps explain why we age and sheds light on one of cancer’s most puzzling mysteries.