Rejuvenation on the Road to Pluripotency

Abstract

The technology of reprogramming differentiated cells into a pluripotent state, which can be used to derive virtually any cell type in vitro, has ignited the field of regenerative medicine. "n equally revolutionary, but yet to be harnessed phenomenon, is the reset of age that occurs en route to pluripotency. This rejuvenation is clearly evident during reproduction, resulting in a young offspring from aged parental cells. "rtificial reprogramming techniques built off this process, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer SCNT and induced pluripotent stem cell iPSC reprogramming techniques, are showing growing evidence for rejuvenation at the cellular level. These findings all points to an intimate relationship between reprogramming to pluripotency and the reset of age, and iPSC technology, especially, offers the possibility of a man-made intervention in the aging process. Though in vitro cell reprogramming has been studied arguably for the last three decades, this application of specifically developing a protocol to rejuvenate cells, tissues, even whole organs has only just begun to be explored. There are still many challenges to realization but this technology has already famously shown that cell differentiation is more than a one-way street, and, maybe, so is aging.

Unravelling Cellular Mechanisms of Stem Cell Senescence: An Aid from Natural Bioactive Molecules

“…The expression of telomerase declines with age, and in addition senescent stem cells show a low activity of this enzyme, leading to telomere shortening and the increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, influencing the behavior of the neighboring cells [31]. For these reasons, researchers in recent years have been trying to dissect the epigenetic modifications involved in cellular aging, in an attempt to reverse stem cell senescence and achieve rejuvenation [32,33]. Physical stimuli such as electromagnetic fields have been largely applied to slow down cell senescence, by modulating cell polarity and the expression of the aging related markers, such as TERT, p16INK4, ARF, p53, and p21, together with the activity of beta-galactosidase [21,[34][35][36].…”

Elementary Laboratory Assays as Biomarkers of Ageing: Support for Treatment of COVID-19?

“… Alignment of elementary medical laboratory tests over biologic features of senescence. Central edging: cell nucleus showing telomere shortening and DNAm [ 127 , 128 ]. Grey nuclear surrounding: acknowledged markers of transition from bloom to senescence.…”