Emerging Therapies Aim to Reverse Age-Related Health Declines

Researchers are exploring safe, innovative, and effective rejuvenation therapies targeting gene expression and cell transcriptome reprogramming to tackle age-related health issues.  According to a study from April 1, 2023, researchers highlight neural cells, particularly glutamatergic neurons, neuronal stem cells, and oligodendrocytes, as crucial in addressing neurodegeneration, offering experimental designs for potential age-reversal therapies.

According to the report published on Springer Link, the progressive and multifaceted functional decline associated with aging is contributing to the growing global health concern of chronic age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases that rank among the leading causes of death worldwide. In response to this issue, there's a call for the development of novel, safe, and effective rejuvenation therapies aimed at reversing age-related effects and enhancing human health.

The study recognized the pivotal role of gene expression in determining cell identity and function, and proposed a strategy for age reversal, centering on the reprogramming of the cell transcriptome to achieve a more youthful state. This approach utilizes transcriptomic data from primary human cells to identify potential targets for rejuvenation and to create high-throughput assays for comprehensive aging screens.

Focusing on neural cells as particularly relevant targets for rejuvenation, the research underscores the significant impact of neurodegeneration on human frailty. Within the spectrum of brain cell types, the study advocates for prioritizing glutamatergic neurons, neuronal stem cells, and oligodendrocytes as the most impactful and feasible targets. Additionally, the research outlines experimental designs for anti-aging reprogramming screens, offering the potential to develop neuronal age reversal therapies with the promise of significantly improving human health.

Springer Link: Alexandru M. Plesa, et al. Transcriptomic reprogramming for neuronal age reversal. Human Genetics (1 April 2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00439-023-02529-1