Question 349 of 433
What is cellular reprogramming, and why is it the biggest idea in the field?
The short answer
It is a way of resetting a cell’s age markers to a younger state without changing what kind of cell it is. If it works safely in people, it would be the first true rejuvenation therapy.
In 2006, Shinya Yamanaka discovered that four genes could turn an adult cell all the way back into a stem cell, a finding that won the Nobel Prize. Turning them on fully erases a cell’s identity and can cause tumors. But turning on three of them briefly, called partial reprogramming, appears to reset the epigenetic “dimmer switches” while the cell remembers what it is. In mice, this restored vision in animals with damaged optic nerves.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
PRECLINICAL — Partial reprogramming: selected cell and animal outcomes; safe human rejuvenation is unproven.Evidence grade (draft mapping)DPreclinical / mechanisticPart 23, Q349 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.