Chemically induced reprogramming to reverse cellular aging

“To screen for molecules that reverse cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells without altering the genome, we [at Harvard Medical School] developed high-throughput cell-based assays that distinguish young from old and senescent cells, including transcription-based aging clocks and a real-time nucleocytoplasmic compartmentalization (NCC) assay. We identify six chemical cocktails, which, in less than a week and without compromising cellular identity, restore a youthful genome-wide transcript profile and reverse transcriptomic age. Thus, rejuvenation by age reversal can be achieved, not only by genetic, but also chemical means.”    MORE

Image Credit:  Harvard/MIT