Scientists from the University at Buffalo have reversed the hallmarks of muscle cell aging by overexpression of a specific protein, known as NANOG. The findings show how the protein can achieve the reversal without reprogramming the cells to a more stem cell-like state. This has been the most common approach to cellular aging reversal in the past.
A Protein to Reverse Muscle Cell Aging
The study’s corresponding author Professor Stelios T. Andreadis has stated that the work of his team was focused on understanding the mechanisms of NANOG’s actions to discover druggable targets in signaling or metabolic networks that can mimic the anti-aging effects of the protein. Cellular senescence is known to happen during aging and, eventually, it leads to cells reaching a point where they can’t divide and repair anymore. This leads to genetic material in the cells becoming unstable and causing an array of metabolic and molecular dysfunction that causes disease. As a consequence, the ability of the body to regenerate decreases over time. However, this new study has shown how things may not be that bad.
Increasing the Number of Muscle Stem Cells
Scientists could reverse age-related muscle cell deterioration and even increase their DNA repair mechanisms. They did that by overexpressing a protein called NANOG in senescent human myoblasts, which is the embryonic precursor for muscle cells. Moreover, in experiments with animals, NANOG overexpressed in prematurely aging mice showed a major increase in the number of muscle stem cells present. This meant that NANOG may have rejuvenating properties and could be used in the future to help reverse the aging process.
Stelios Andreadis also said that the work they were doing could help scientists develop new treatments or therapies that would help reverse cellular senescence. This could be of great aid to the many people around the world who suffer from age-related disorders. In the pursuit to halt and reverse aging, many strides have been made in recent years. This year, one study even showed that a supplement could promote healthier aging and reverse some of the hallmarks of old age.