World Leisure Jobs - Harvard scientists report breakthrough in how cells age and how to reverse the process...
04 Dec 2023 World leisure: news, training & property
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

30 Mar 2023

Harvard scientists report breakthrough in how cells age and how to reverse the process
BY Katie Barnes

It's easier to control epigenetic processes rather than reverse DNA mutations

It's easier to control epigenetic processes rather than reverse DNA mutations
photo: Shutterstock/Shurkin_son

A 13-year study by researchers at Harvard University has shown for the first time that the modification of gene expression can lead to cell ageing.

For years, mainstream thinking in scientific circles has been that ageing is caused by mutations in genetic code which causes cells to malfunction and die, however, this new study, published in the journal Cell, suggests that it’s the way DNA is governed that drives ageing.

In layman’s terms, the researchers are suggesting that ageing doesn’t mean cells are damaged and incapable of behaving like young cells, but rather that something has got lost in translation in their genetic make-up.

So, in theory, if we use epigenetic interventions to get cells back on the right path, they can ‘remember’ how to be young and fully functioning again – effectively reversing the ageing process.

Main experiment
In the main experiment, scientists at Harvard mimicked breaks in chromosomes that cells experience every day in response to things such as breathing, exposure to sunlight and contact with certain chemicals.

They ensured these breaks did not occur in the coding regions of the DNA so mutations were prevented from occurring over time. The team noticed that the epigenome grew disorganised leading to more aged looks and behaviour.

Next, they delivered gene therapy to reverse the changes and found the organs and tissues had resumed their youthful state.

“It’s like rebooting a malfunctioning computer,” says the paper’s senior author David Sinclair, explaining that the therapy “led cells to restore the epigenetic information they had when they were young”.

A different view
Co-first author Jae-Hyun Yang adds: “We expect the findings will transform the way we view the process of ageing and the way we approach the treatment of diseases associated with ageing.”

This is because it’s easier to manipulate the molecules that control epigenetic processes rather than to reverse DNA mutations. Such interventions could include injecting stem cells to “help rewind mature cells”, for example, or using drugs.

Sinclair hopes the work inspires other scientists to study how to control ageing to prevent and eliminate age-related conditions such as frailty, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The ultimate goal, he concludes, would be to address the root causes of ageing to help people live healthier lives for longer.



Connect with
World Leisure
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Shocking health inequalities in England prompt £250m investment in physical activity
Shocking health inequalities in England prompt £250m investment in physical activity   03 Dec 2023

New insight from UK quango, Sport England has found that healthy life expectancy in England – ie, the number of years people live without debilitating .... more>>
PureGym ramps up expansion after strong quarterly results
PureGym ramps up expansion after strong quarterly results   02 Dec 2023

PureGym has delivered a positive set of third quarter results, with revenues increasing to £137.7m, for the three months ending 30 September – up 15.8 .... more>>
Das Central, Sölden’s new rooftop spa area connects guests with the outdoors
Das Central, Sölden’s new rooftop spa area connects guests with the outdoors   01 Dec 2023

A new rooftop spa has been added to modern alpine escape Das Central in the heart of Sölden, high in the Austrian Alps, to refresh the property’s .... more>>
Sony Pictures to launch immersive Wonderverse entertainment destination
Sony Pictures to launch immersive Wonderverse entertainment destination   01 Dec 2023

Sony Pictures is set to launch an immersive indoor entertainment park at Oakbrook Center in Chicago in December, featuring escape rooms, interactive .... more>>
Company profile


FitnessKPI

FitnessKPI is the most complete Business Intelligence in the Fitness industry and the only one that collects data, analyses it and converts it into automated actions.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

The power of palm cooling – the next major cold therapy trend

The power of palm cooling – the next major cold therapy trend

The performance benefits of cold therapy have filtered from professional sports into the mainstream consumer in recent years. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



World Leisure jobs




Crime Reduction through Sport Officer
Salary: £31,396 - £33,966pa with potential to £37,099
Location: Hatfield, UK
Company: University of Hertfordshire
Swim Teacher
Salary: Competitive
Location: Southam
Company: Everyone Active
Recreation Assistant
Salary: Competitive salary
Location: Romford
Company: Everyone Active
Activity and Wellbeing Coordinator
Salary: 25,000
Location: Stowmarket
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

08-11 Jan 2024

Hot Springs Connection Conference

Murrieta Hot Springs, United States


25-28 Jan 2024

Les Thermalies, the water & well-being exhibition

Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd