Epigenetic Reprogramming to Reverse Aging in Old Mice

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found a way to reverse the aging process and restore eyesight - at least in mice.

Aging is an inevitable part of life that most people live to experience. Although the longevity of humans has notably improved since we evolved 200,000 years ago, the multidimensional nature of aging has prevented us from fully understanding this sophisticated process.

On a molecular level, aging can be defined as the progressive deterioration of cells, tissue and organs, ultimately causing degeneration of bodily systems. DNA methylation is an identified marker for this aging and is the basis behind the body’s biological aging clock.

DNA methylation is the accumulation of epigenetic chemical marks caused by the addition of a methyl group to DNA molecules (What Is Epigenetics, 2019). By affecting gene function and expression, it interferes with the normal working of DNA by reducing abilities to regulate transcription - the process of making an RNA copy helping direct the synthesis of proteins.