A primer on the current state of longevity research
Longevity research has evolved since 2021, with increased funding and focus on cellular reprogramming. Companies are exploring induced pluripotent stem cells, indicating potential breakthroughs despite a long timeline for results.
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reprogramming as a core strategy for their longevity research. The field of longevity research has seen significant changes since 2021, with increased funding and interest from both federal and private sectors. The focus on sirtuins, proteins linked to aging, has not yielded substantial results, with recent studies indicating that NAD+ precursor supplementation does not significantly enhance longevity, although it may improve healthspan. The perception of longevity research has shifted from pseudoscience to a more respected scientific field, with more NIH grants dedicated to aging research. However, the timeline for meaningful outcomes from this funding is expected to be long-term, potentially spanning a decade.
Cellular reprogramming, particularly through the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and partial cellular reprogramming, has emerged as a promising area. This approach allows for rejuvenation at a cellular level without fully converting cells into stem cells, thus retaining their original identity while benefiting from age-related improvements. Companies like Altos Labs and Retro Biosciences are leveraging this technology, indicating a growing interest in translating these scientific advancements into therapeutic applications. Overall, while the field is still in its early stages, the potential for breakthroughs in longevity research appears to be increasing, driven by innovative approaches and substantial financial backing.
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- Some commenters question the focus on longevity over quality of life, suggesting that older individuals may not desire extended life.
- There is curiosity about the application of longevity research to other organisms, such as bacteria, and the potential for computational models.
- Several users express skepticism about the methodologies and implications of longevity research, particularly regarding gene therapy and cellular reprogramming.
- Notable figures and treatments in the field, like Bryan Johnson and rapamycin, are mentioned as significant omissions in the article.
- Concerns are raised about the ethical and societal implications of rapid advancements in longevity research, paralleling issues seen in AI development.
13 commentsSurprised not to see any mention of interleukins and metformin. [Warning - metformin linked to birth defects]
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07701-9
The more I learn about molecular biology/oncology, the more skeptical I am of longevity research. The pathways are usually broad hub genes that shouldn't be touched. E.g. Myc is an oncogene. As a rule of thumb, any time you see "reprogramming," be skeptical.
Gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases should not be considered longevity.
If you get a chance to interview a person in their late 80s, ask if they would welcome a life extension of say, 20 years.
Also no mention of rapamycin and related research on immune modulating pathways.
https://www.agingbiotech.info shows how much work goes into just making lists for just the industry side of the house.
Read a few of the lengthy end of year posts at Fight Aging! to see just how much there is to comment on (e.g. https://www.fightaging.org/archives/2023/12/a-look-back-at-2... ), and Fight Aging! only covers an opinionated selection of the full spectrum of research and development.
https://gero.usc.edu/2022/04/28/valter-longo-longevity-diet/
edit: also this is quite interesting https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lxyzc
Nothing solid. Work in progress.
After all the "Hallmarks of Aging" (2013), more or less mainstream research article published in "Cell", looked at the aging process from a similar perspective.
If I understand correctly, at least one of SENS components - namely, AmyloSENS - is currently being targeted by a number of biotech startups, looking into use of senolytic drugs to clear up senescent cells.
DeGray himself is currently attempting a Robust Mouse Rejuvenation however from what I understand the results from trial 1 were more than modest, if not to say disappointing.
It's funny that it was considered a pseudoscience for such a long time, when there's lot of clinical applications outside of trying to live longer. For me, as someone with celiac disease, I know the age of my intestines are probably older than most people, after constant damage from gluten. It'd be nice to have a cell reprogramming treatment for intestines.
If we can put together Boeings and LLMs, we can probably put together computational models of longevity for living beings... even if it's just for Mycoplasma genitalium. But I have never heard of one.
But I get the ick. As with AI/ML research, it has tremendous political, social, economic, environmental consequences. As AI/ML has shown, the pace of development and availability has outpaced humans' ability to think through the consequences until they have already happened and are in the hands of very powerful techbros and oligarchs. I have no appreciation of Hinton and other leaders' change of heart about the catastrophic consequences of their research.
A PhD in Longevity research, should be evaluated for its philosophical deliberations as much as it pokes the edge of the state of art.
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New insights into transcription factors and chromatin remodeling
Researchers at the University of Queensland reveal insights on aging control mechanisms, focusing on transcription factors and chromatin remodeling. AP-1 plays a key role in gene regulation, offering potential for age-related disease interventions and healthspan enhancement.
'Supermodel granny' drug extends life in animals
A drug targeting interleukin-11 extended lab mice lifespans by 25%, improving health and reducing cancer rates. Human testing is ongoing, with potential anti-ageing effects sparking interest in molecular ageing mechanisms.
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A drug targeting interleukin-11 extended lab mice lifespans by 25%, improving health and reducing cancer. Its effects on human ageing are uncertain, despite promising results. Researchers aim to slow ageing by manipulating molecular processes.
Cellular Reprogramming Improves Cognition in Aged Rats
Researchers found that prolonged expression of reprogramming factors improved cognitive function and reduced epigenetic age in aged rats, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches for age-related cognitive decline. Further research is needed.