Aging is proved to be reversible
Sunday, November 27, 2011
French researchers were able to restore youth to cells taken from people aged over 100 years, reschedule them to the stage of stem cells, demonstrating that aging is reversible. Since 2007, scientists have shown that adult cells can reprogram human pluri-potent stem cells whose properties are similar to those of embryonic stem cells. The reprogramming of adult cells come with no surprise with criticisms regarding the use of embryonic stem cells.
But in their quest to succeed, French researchers, hit a limit in reprogramming adult cells, the cell aging ultimate point. The team of scientists coordinated by Jean-Marc Lemaitre managed to exceed this limit, with a new "cocktail" of six ingredients.
Researchers have tested various aged cells 92 years old, 94 years, 96 years and 101 years and the same success was achieved every time. "Age was definitely a cell barrier to reprogramming," concluded Perrin.
This study opens the way for the use of reprogrammed cells as an ideal source of adult cells tolerated by the immune system to repair damaged organs or tissues in elderly patients.
