Researchers say they’ve reversed ageing in human cells by 30 years

Researchers have developed a new method to overturn ageing in human skin cells by up to 30 years. They say it is the longest re-programming technique ever achieved.

As per a new study published in eLife, a group of scientists stated how they were able to partially restore the function of older cells, while also renewing the biological age.

In trials that reproduced a skin wound, the team found that the partially rejuvenated cells showed signs of behaving more like young cells.

The Babraham Institute experts developed the first ‘maturation phase transient reprogramming’ (MTPR), where ‘reprogramming factors are expressed until this rejuvenation point followed by withdrawal of their induction’.

The authors wrote, “The magnitude of rejuvenation instigated by MTPR appears substantially greater than that achieved in previous transient reprogramming protocols. In addition, MPTR fibroblasts produced youthful levels of collagen proteins, and showed partial functional rejuvenation of their migration speed.”

While the research is still in its early stages, scientists believe the findings could help revolutionalise regenerative medicine, particularly if the approach can be replicated in other cell types.

Professor Wolf Reik, a group leader in the Epigenetics research programme who has recently moved to lead the Altos Labs Cambridge Institute, said: “This work has very exciting implications.

“Eventually, we may be able to identify genes that rejuvenate without reprogramming, and specifically target those to reduce the effects of ageing.

“This approach holds promise for valuable discoveries that could open up an amazing therapeutic horizon.”

The team explained how ageing is the gradual decline in ‘organismal fitness’, which occurs over time and leads to tissue dysfunction and disease.

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