Scientists develop method to reverse aging of human skin cells by 30 years

In experiments simulating skin wounds, partially rejuvenated cells showed signs of behaving more like juvenile cells. Experts assume that the research could lead to new drugs

Researchers have reversed the aging of human skin cells by 30 years, according to a new study.

Scientists say they have developed a method to reprogram human skin cells aging clock without the cells losing their function.

US researchers describe being able to partially restore the function of older cells in a laboratory.

In experiments simulating skin wounds, partially rejuvenated cells showed signs of behaving more like juvenile cells.

Experts suggest the research may lead to new ones drugs.

Professor Wolf Reik, group leader at Altos Labs Cambridge Institute said: “This work has very exciting implications.

“Finally, we may be able to identify genes that rejuvenate without reprogramming and specifically target them to reduce the effects of aging.”

“This approach promises valuable discoveries that could open amazing therapeutic horizons.”

co-author dr. Diljeet Gill said: “Our results represent a major step forward in our understanding of cell reprogramming.

“We proved that cells can be rejuvenated without losing their function and that rejuvenation aims to restore some function to old cells.

“The fact that we also saw a reversal of indicators of aging in disease-associated genes is particularly promising for the future of this work.”

The new method, based on the technique scientists use to create stem cells, overcomes the problem of completely erasing the cell’s identity by stopping the reprogramming part way through the process.

This allowed the researchers to make cells biologically younger while maintaining their specialized cellular function.

They say the potential applications of this technique depend on the cells not only appearing younger, but also functioning like young cells.

The research is published in the journal eLife.