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Pereira B, Correia FP, Alves IA, Costa M, Gameiro M, Martins AP, Saraiva JA. Epigenetic reprogramming as a key to reverse ageing and increase longevity. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102204. [PMID: 38272265 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The pursuit for the fountain of youth has long been a fascination amongst scientists and humanity. Ageing is broadly characterized by a cellular decline with increased susceptibility to age-related diseases, being intimately associated with epigenetic modifications. Recently, reprogramming-induced rejuvenation strategies have begun to greatly alter longevity research not only to tackle age-related defects but also to possibly reverse the cellular ageing process. Hence, in this review, we highlight the major epigenetic changes during ageing and the state-of-art of the current emerging epigenetic reprogramming strategies leveraging on transcription factors. Notably, partial reprogramming enables the resetting of the ageing clock without erasing cellular identity. Promising chemical-based rejuvenation strategies harnessing small molecules, including DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors are also discussed. Moreover, in parallel to longevity interventions, the foundations of epigenetic clocks for accurate ageing assessment and evaluation of reprogramming approaches are briefly presented. Going further, with such scientific breakthroughs, we are witnessing a rise in the longevity biotech industry aiming to extend the health span and ideally achieve human rejuvenation one day. In this context, we overview the main scenarios proposed for the future of the socio-economic and ethical challenges associated with such an emerging field. Ultimately, this review aims to inspire future research on interventions that promote healthy ageing for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Inês A Alves
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Costa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Gameiro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana P Martins
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Paine PT, Rechsteiner C, Morandini F, Desdín-Micó G, Mrabti C, Parras A, Haghani A, Brooke R, Horvath S, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Ocampo A. Initiation phase cellular reprogramming ameliorates DNA damage in the ERCC1 mouse model of premature aging. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2024; 4:1323194. [PMID: 38322248 PMCID: PMC10844398 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1323194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Unlike aged somatic cells, which exhibit a decline in molecular fidelity and eventually reach a state of replicative senescence, pluripotent stem cells can indefinitely replenish themselves while retaining full homeostatic capacity. The conferment of beneficial-pluripotency related traits via in vivo partial cellular reprogramming in vivo partial reprogramming significantly extends lifespan and restores aging phenotypes in mouse models. Although the phases of cellular reprogramming are well characterized, details of the rejuvenation processes are poorly defined. To understand whether cellular reprogramming can ameliorate DNA damage, we created a reprogrammable accelerated aging mouse model with an ERCC1 mutation. Importantly, using enhanced partial reprogramming by combining small molecules with the Yamanaka factors, we observed potent reversion of DNA damage, significant upregulation of multiple DNA damage repair processes, and restoration of the epigenetic clock. In addition, we present evidence that pharmacological inhibition of ALK5 and ALK2 receptors in the TGFb pathway are able to phenocopy some benefits including epigenetic clock restoration suggesting a role in the mechanism of rejuvenation by partial reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Treat Paine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Francesco Morandini
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gabriela Desdín-Micó
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Calida Mrabti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Parras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- EPITERNA SA, Vaud, Switzerland
| | | | - Robert Brooke
- Epigenetic Clock Development Foundation, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Steve Horvath
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, United States
- Epigenetic Clock Development Foundation, Torrance, CA, United States
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Alejandro Ocampo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- EPITERNA SA, Vaud, Switzerland
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Aguirre M, Escobar M, Forero Amézquita S, Cubillos D, Rincón C, Vanegas P, Tarazona MP, Atuesta Escobar S, Blanco JC, Celis LG. Application of the Yamanaka Transcription Factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc from the Laboratory to the Clinic. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1697. [PMID: 37761837 PMCID: PMC10531188 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc enable the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent cells. Reprogramming generates newly differentiated cells for potential therapies in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and rejuvenation processes. In cancer therapies, these transcription factors lead to a reduction in the size and aggressiveness of certain tumors, such as sarcomas, and in neurodegenerative diseases, they enable the production of dopaminergic cells in Parkinson's disease, the replacement of affected neuronal cells in olivopontocerebellar atrophy, and the regeneration of the optic nerve. However, there are limitations, such as an increased risk of cancer development when using Klf4 and c-Myc and the occurrence of abnormal dyskinesias in the medium term, possibly generated by the uncontrolled growth of differentiated dopaminergic cells and the impairment of the survival of the new cells. Therefore, the Yamanaka transcription factors have shown therapeutic potential through cell reprogramming for some carcinomas, neurodegenerative diseases, and rejuvenation. However, the limitations found in the studies require further investigation before the use of these transcription factors in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Aguirre
- Department of Genetics, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali 760026, Colombia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Icesi, Cali 760031, Colombia
| | - Manuela Escobar
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
| | | | - David Cubillos
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
| | - Camilo Rincón
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
| | - Paula Vanegas
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
| | - María Paula Tarazona
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
| | - Sofía Atuesta Escobar
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
| | - Juan Camilo Blanco
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
| | - Luis Gustavo Celis
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Km 7, Autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía 250001, Colombia
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Rosen RS, Yarmush ML. Current Trends in Anti-Aging Strategies. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 25:363-385. [PMID: 37289554 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-120122-123054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The process of aging manifests from a highly interconnected network of biological cascades resulting in the degradation and breakdown of every living organism over time. This natural development increases risk for numerous diseases and can be debilitating. Academic and industrial investigators have long sought to impede, or potentially reverse, aging in the hopes of alleviating clinical burden, restoring functionality, and promoting longevity. Despite widespread investigation, identifying impactful therapeutics has been hindered by narrow experimental validation and the lack of rigorous study design. In this review, we explore the current understanding of the biological mechanisms of aging and how this understanding both informs and limits interpreting data from experimental models based on these mechanisms. We also discuss select therapeutic strategies that have yielded promising data in these model systems with potential clinical translation. Lastly, we propose a unifying approach needed to rigorously vet current and future therapeutics and guide evaluation toward efficacious therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Rosen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA;
| | - Martin L Yarmush
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA;
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Abstract
Ageing is inherent to all human beings, yet why we age remains a hotly contested topic. Most mechanistic explanations of ageing posit that ageing is caused by the accumulation of one or more forms of molecular damage. Here, I propose that we age not because of inevitable damage to the hardware but rather because of intrinsic design flaws in the software, defined as the DNA code that orchestrates how a single cell develops into an adult organism. As the developmental software runs, its sequence of events is reflected in shifting cellular epigenetic states. Overall, I suggest that to understand ageing we need to decode our software and the flow of epigenetic information throughout the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro de Magalhães
- Genomics of Ageing and Rejuvenation Lab, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK.
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Rajabian N, Choudhury D, Ikhapoh I, Saha S, Kalyankar AS, Mehrotra P, Shahini A, Breed K, Andreadis ST. Reversine ameliorates hallmarks of cellular senescence in human skeletal myoblasts via reactivation of autophagy. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13764. [PMID: 36625257 PMCID: PMC10014065 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence leads to the depletion of myogenic progenitors and decreased regenerative capacity. We show that the small molecule 2,6-disubstituted purine, reversine, can improve some well-known hallmarks of cellular aging in senescent myoblast cells. Reversine reactivated autophagy and insulin signaling pathway via upregulation of Adenosine Monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt2, restoring insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in senescent cells. Reversine also restored the loss of connectivity of glycolysis to the TCA cycle, thus restoring dysfunctional mitochondria and the impaired myogenic differentiation potential of senescent myoblasts. Altogether, our data suggest that cellular senescence can be reversed by treatment with a single small molecule without employing genetic reprogramming technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Rajabian
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Debanik Choudhury
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Izuagie Ikhapoh
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Shilpashree Saha
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Aishwarya S. Kalyankar
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Pihu Mehrotra
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Aref Shahini
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Kendall Breed
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
| | - Stelios T. Andreadis
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
- Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life SciencesUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
- Cell, Gene and Tissue Engineering (CGTE) Center, School of Engineering and Applied SciencesUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAmherstNew YorkUSA
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An Updated Overview on the Role of Small Molecules and Natural Compounds in the "Young Science" of Rejuvenation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020288. [PMID: 36829846 PMCID: PMC9951981 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a gradual process that occurs over time which leads to a progressive decline of cells and tissues. Telomere shortening, genetic instability, epigenetic alteration, and the accumulation of misfolded proteins represent the main hallmarks that cause perturbed cellular functions; this occurs in conjunction with the progression of the so-called "aging clocks". Rejuvenation aims to influence the natural evolution of such aging clocks and to enhance regenerative capacity, thus overcoming the limitations of common anti-aging interventions. Current rejuvenation processes are based on heterochronic parabiosis, cell damage dilution through asymmetrical cell division, the excretion of extracellular vesicles, the modulation of genetic instability involving G-quadruplexes and DNA methylation, and cell reprogramming using Yamanaka factors and the actions of antioxidant species. In this context, we reviewed the most recent contributions that report on small molecules acting as senotherapeutics; these molecules act by promoting one or more of the abovementioned processes. Candidate drugs and natural compounds that are being studied as potential rejuvenation therapies act by interfering with CDGSH iron-sulfur domain 2 (CISD2) expression, G-quadruplex structures, DNA methylation, and mitochondrial decay. Moreover, direct and indirect antioxidants have been reported to counteract or revert aging through a combination of mixed mechanisms.
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Effects of lifespan-extending interventions on cognitive healthspan. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 25:e2. [PMID: 36377361 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ageing is known to be the primary risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. They are currently incurable and worsen over time, which has broad implications in the context of lifespan and healthspan extension. Adding years to life and even to physical health is suboptimal or even insufficient, if cognitive ageing is not adequately improved. In this review, we will examine how interventions that have the potential to extend lifespan in animals affect the brain, and if they would be able to thwart or delay the development of cognitive dysfunction and/or neurodegeneration. These interventions range from lifestyle (caloric restriction, physical exercise and environmental enrichment) through pharmacological (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors, resveratrol, rapamycin, metformin, spermidine and senolytics) to epigenetic reprogramming. We argue that while many of these interventions have clear potential to improve cognitive health and resilience, large-scale and long-term randomised controlled trials are needed, along with studies utilising washout periods to determine the effects of supplementation cessation, particularly in aged individuals.
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Abstract
'Age reprogramming' refers to the process by which the molecular and cellular pathways of a cell that are subject to age-related decline are rejuvenated without passage through an embryonic stage. This process differs from the rejuvenation observed in differentiated derivatives of induced pluripotent stem cells, which involves passage through an embryonic stage and loss of cellular identity. Accordingly, the study of age reprogramming can provide an understanding of how ageing can be reversed while retaining cellular identity and the specialised function(s) of a cell, which will be of benefit to regenerative medicine. Here, we highlight recent work that has provided a more nuanced understanding of age reprogramming and point to some open questions in the field that might be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prim B. Singh
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, 5/1 Kerei Zhanibek Khandar Street, Astana 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Assem Zhakupova
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, 5/1 Kerei Zhanibek Khandar Street, Astana 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan
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Pun FW, Leung GHD, Leung HW, Liu BHM, Long X, Ozerov IV, Wang J, Ren F, Aliper A, Izumchenko E, Moskalev A, de Magalhães JP, Zhavoronkov A. Hallmarks of aging-based dual-purpose disease and age-associated targets predicted using PandaOmics AI-powered discovery engine. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:2475-2506. [PMID: 35347083 PMCID: PMC9004567 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging biology is a promising and burgeoning research area that can yield dual-purpose pathways and protein targets that may impact multiple diseases, while retarding or possibly even reversing age-associated processes. One widely used approach to classify a multiplicity of mechanisms driving the aging process is the hallmarks of aging. In addition to the classic nine hallmarks of aging, processes such as extracellular matrix stiffness, chronic inflammation and activation of retrotransposons are also often considered, given their strong association with aging. In this study, we used a variety of target identification and prioritization techniques offered by the AI-powered PandaOmics platform, to propose a list of promising novel aging-associated targets that may be used for drug discovery. We also propose a list of more classical targets that may be used for drug repurposing within each hallmark of aging. Most of the top targets generated by this comprehensive analysis play a role in inflammation and extracellular matrix stiffness, highlighting the relevance of these processes as therapeutic targets in aging and age-related diseases. Overall, our study reveals both high confidence and novel targets associated with multiple hallmarks of aging and demonstrates application of the PandaOmics platform to target discovery across multiple disease areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W. Pun
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Geoffrey Ho Duen Leung
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi Wing Leung
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bonnie Hei Man Liu
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xi Long
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ivan V. Ozerov
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ju Wang
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Ren
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexander Aliper
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Evgeny Izumchenko
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alexey Moskalev
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University (GMU), Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - João Pedro de Magalhães
- Integrative Genomics of Ageing Group, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
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