Precision Medicine and Progress in the Treatment of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

A new fluorescent probe for the visualization of progerin

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) or progeria is a rare genetic disease that causes premature aging, leading to a drastic reduction in the life expectancy of patients. Progeria is mainly caused by the intracellular accumulation of a defective protein called progerin, generated from a mutation in the LMNA gene. Currently, there is only one approved drug for the treatment of progeria, which has limited efficacy. It is believed that progerin levels are the most important biomarker related to the severity of the disease. However, there is a lack of effective tools to directly visualize progerin in the native cellular models, since the commercially available antibodies are not well suited for the direct visualization of progerin in cells from the mouse model of the disease. In this context, an alternative option for the visualization of a protein relies on the use of fluorescent chemical probes, molecules with affinity and specificity towards a protein. In this work we report the synthesis and characterization of a new fluorescent probe (UCM-23079) that allows for the direct visualization of progerin in cells from the most widely used progeroid mouse model. Thus, UCM-23079 is a new tool compound that could help prioritize potential preclinical therapies towards the final goal of finding a definitive cure for progeria.

Can aging be slowed down?

Aging is a complex process, with genetic and environmental influences, that unfolds over time. The rate at which skin aging proceeds is predictable, although many persons appear older or younger than their chronologic age. This is especially evident in rare genetic disorders such as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome in which persons suffer from a premature aged appearance and in neotenic complex syndrome in which children appear to be "frozen in time," remaining physically and cognitively similar to an infant or toddler despite increasing age. Ideally, it would be desirable to slow down the aging process with the hope of looking younger longer and improving good health and longevity. Evidence that this is possible comes from data showing increases in average human life expectancy over the past century and recognition of the photoaging effects of sun exposure, with the development of protective strategies, including the routine use of clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen while avoiding the sun during its peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Other strategies for maintaining younger-looking skin include the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and use of antiaging skin preparations. Stem cell therapy may also play a role in aging therapy. Current research is clarifying the genetic basis of skin youthfulness and may help to direct future therapies to target key biologic pathways of aging.