For the first time in history, a group of scientists from the United Kingdom managed to regenerate skin cells for decades. They developed a technique that allowed them to set the cellular biological clock back by about 30 years, according to molecular measurements.
The results of the study were published this week in the scientific journal eLife.
The group used as a basis a technique called regenerative medicine, which consists in repairing or replacing cells, including old ones.
The traditional process involves converting normal cells into stem cells, which can grow into any other type of cell. Stem cell reprogramming takes about 50 days and uses four key molecules.
The method developed by British scientists was able to carry out the so-called “temporary reprogramming of maturation” in just 13 days.
“At this point, age-related changes are removed and the cells temporarily lose their identity. The partially reprogrammed cells had time to grow under normal conditions, to see if the specific function of the skin cells returned. Genome analysis showed that the cells recovered the hallmarks of skin cells ( fibroblasts), and this was confirmed by observing the production of collagen in reprogrammed cells,” states the memorandum of the Pabraham Institute, associated with the University of Cambridge, where the work was carried out.
Technology use
According to the study’s authors, the applications include not only the appearance of cells, but their functions as well.
The production of collagen by fibroblasts – a molecule found in bones, tendons and ligaments of the skin – can be very useful in treating wounds, for example.
In one experiment, scientists tested cells that had been partially rejuvenated. In a dish, they made a cut in the cells and observed that the treated fibroblasts moved faster to the incision site than the old cells.
“This is a promising sign that one day this research can be used to create cells that are better at wound healing,” the authors added in the note.
The group also noted that the technique had an effect on age-related genes, such as APBA2, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and the MAF gene, which is linked to cataracts.
Although it is still at an early stage, the study has the potential to produce more promising results in the near future, Diljit Gill, one of the study’s authors, says in a statement.
“Our results represent a significant advance in our understanding of cellular reprogramming. We have demonstrated that cells can be regenerated without losing their function and that regeneration seeks to restore some function to old cells. The fact that we have also seen a reversal of aging indicators in disease associated genes is particularly promising for the future of this work.” .
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