Greenland sharks can live up to 500 years, while adult mayflies are fortunate to exist for just a day. Although our cellular clocks differ dramatically, scientists argue that human aging is one of the highest risk factors for a host of degenerative and deadly conditions. To better understand, control, and even reverse the aging process, researchers are exploring the promise of regenerative medicine—a groundbreaking field that focuses on repairing or replacing damaged cells, tissues, and organs to restore normal function.
GEN spoke to several leaders in the field about their regenerative medicine programs and the applications they are pursuing. One approach utilizes the massive computing power of AI to identify safe drug combinations that can simultaneously target and treat multiple age-related biological pathways. Cells can be rejuvenated by harnessing the directorial capabilities (on/off switch) of epigenetics with engineered adeno-associated viruses (AAV) carrying transcription factors. An implantable bio-hybrid organ bearing healthy human pancreatic cells has shown promise in correcting type 1 diabetes (T1D). Parkinson’s disease may be treatable by transplanting precursor stem cells that can differentiate into function-restoring mature cells. While suitable aging models are still a challenge, one model system force-ages stem cells in a dish, couples this with CRISPR screenings, and has shown promise in identifying rejuvenation genes.
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