"The fact that we also saw a reverse of ageing indicators in genes associated with diseases is particularly promising for the future of this work."
As people age, their cells' ability to function declines and the genome - DNA blueprint - accumulates marks of ageing. Regenerative biology aims to repair or replace cells, including old ones. One of the most important tools in regenerative biology is our ability to create 'induced' stem cells. However, this process essentially wipes the cells of their function and gives them the potential to become any cell type.
The new method, based on the Nobel Prize-winning technique scientists use to make stem cells, overcomes the problem of completely erasing cell identity by stopping reprogramming part of the way through the process. This allowed researchers to find the precise balance between reprogramming cells, making them biologically younger, while still being able to regain their specialised cell function. They say the potential applications of this technique are dependent on the cells not only appearing younger but functioning like young cells too.
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