Scientists say they have successfully increased the lifespan of mice by reprogramming their body’s cells using a technique that suggests the ageing process could be “reversed”.
Previous attempts to do this resulted in apparently younger cells but the mice quickly developed tumours and died.
However, the team behind the latest research, led by Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte of the Salk Institute in the US, said the mice lived about 30 per cent longer than untreated animals and did not get cancer.
They also reported positive results in tests on human cells in the laboratory.
Professor Izpisua Belmonte said: “Our study shows that ageing may not have to proceed in one single direction.
“It has plasticity and, with careful modulation, ageing might be reversed.”
The technique involves turning cells back into stem cells, which can develop into any kind of specialist cell.
Another of the researchers, Alejandro Ocampo, said: “What we and other stem-cell labs have observed is that when you induce cellular reprogramming, cells look younger.
“The next question was whether we could induce this rejuvenation process in a live animal.”
But creating stem cells, which can divide rapidly and are important in the growth of embryos, in adults appears to increase the risk of causing tumours. Cancer causes death because the cells divide uncontrollably until they cause organs to fail.
Another problem with reprogramming cells is that they are needed for the proper functioning of the body, so turning too many into stem cells would result in death.
Professor Izpisua Belmonte said: “Our study shows that ageing may not have to proceed in one single direction.
“It has plasticity and, with careful modulation, ageing might be reversed.”
The technique involves turning cells back into stem cells, which can develop into any kind of specialist cell.
Another of the researchers, Alejandro Ocampo, said: “What we and other stem-cell labs have observed is that when you induce cellular reprogramming, cells look younger.
“The next question was whether we could induce this rejuvenation process in a live animal.”
But creating stem cells, which can divide rapidly and are important in the growth of embryos, in adults appears to increase the risk of causing tumours. Cancer causes death because the cells divide uncontrollably until they cause organs to fail.
Another problem with reprogramming cells is that they are needed for the proper functioning of the body, so turning too many into stem cells would result in death.
The research was reported in the journal Cell.
