Published in the journal eLife, researchers from the Babraham Institute’s epigenetic research program report in a press release that they have partially restored the function of older cells, without losing their specialized function.
These partially renewed cells also showed signs of behaving more like juvenile cells.
While still in its infancy, they say the research, if replicated in other cell types, could have an impact on regenerative medicine and create cells that are better at wound healing.
“Our results represent a major step forward in our understanding of cell reprogramming,” said postdoctoral researcher Diljeet Gill, who conducted her work as a PhD student.
“We have shown that cells can be rejuvenated without losing their function, and that rejuvenation seems to restore some function in old cells. of work. “
The researchers say that one of the most important tools in regenerative biology is the ability to create induced stem cells, which involves deleting some of the markers that make a cell specialized.
Instead of completely erasing the identity of the cells in their study, however, the researchers used a new method called transient maturation phase reprogramming, which is based on a Nobel Prize-winning technique for making stem cells.
The new method partially stops reprogramming, allowing scientists to make cells biologically newer, while allowing them to regain their specialized function.
In this case, further analysis showed that the cells regained markers characteristic of skin cells or fibroblasts and produced more collagen proteins, which are used to provide tissue structure and aid in wound healing, from cells that did not undergo reprogramming. .
The scientists then tested the regenerated cells by making an artificial incision in a layer of cells on a plate.
The experiment found that the treated fibroblasts moved in a vacuum faster than the older cells.
Not only did the reprogrammed cells “jump” by 30 years, but the researchers say the method also had an effect on other genes associated with age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and cataracts.
“This work has very exciting implications,” said Professor Wolf Reik, who led the research.
“Eventually, we may be able to identify and revitalize genes that are revitalized without reprogramming and specifically target them to reduce the effects of aging. This approach promises valuable discoveries that could open up an amazing healing horizon.”
