British scientists have demonstrated a promising new way to rejuvenate human skin cells, returning them to a previous state while retaining some of their specific functions acquired with age.
More targeted rejuvenation
In 2012, Shinya Yamanaka received the Nobel Prize for his work on the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). The process developed by the Japanese researcher involved taking cells from ordinary adult tissues and exposing them for 50 days to four molecules called factors of yamanakaallowing to ” go back in time and turn them back into stem cells, which can theoretically develop into any type of cell in the body.
In the context of work published in the journal eLifea team from theBabraham instituteto UKfound that shortening this promising process, which recently reversed aging in aged mice, could provide significant benefits.
When cells undergo complete reprogramming, they give up some of the specialized functions that they developed during their maturation. In the case of skin cells, this includes the production of collagen used in tendons, ligaments, bones and to aid wound healing. The idea was therefore to bring these cells back to a youthful state, without completely sacrificing their identity.
Called ” transient reprogramming in the maturation phase “, the new technique exposes the cells to Yamanaka factors for 13 days only, allowing age-related changes to be suppressed while ensuring that they can continue to play a distinct role. After being allowed to grow under natural conditions, these rejuvenated cells took on the characteristics of dermal cells.
Impressive results
By examining the chemical markers that make up the epigenetic clock and the molecules expressed by the cells, the scientists confirmed that the reprogrammed cells matched the profile of cells 30 years younger. The latter also produced more collagen than control cells and performed more effectively in laboratory experiments aimed at mimicking wound healing.
Interestingly, the scientists also found that the technique appeared to have anti-aging effects on genes associated with the disease.Alzheimer’s and cataracts, two of which showed signs of returning to younger activity levels.
” This work has very interesting implications. “, valued Wolf Reik, lead author of the study. ” Eventually, we may be able to identify genes that rejuvenate without reprogramming, and target them specifically to reduce the effects of aging.. »
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