UNIL Scientists Develop Innovative Method to Reverse Cellular Aging
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A team of researchers at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to combat cellular aging using a non-genetic, chemical-based method. Published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, their study demonstrates how a short treatment with a specific combination of small molecules can rejuvenate aged human cells and extend lifespan in microscopic worms, opening new avenues for future anti-aging therapies.
Aging is a key risk factor for most chronic diseases, from cardiovascular conditions to neurodegenerative disorders. Current strategies to target aging include caloric restriction mimetics, senolytic drugs, and cellular reprogramming. While genetic reprogramming has shown promise, chemical reprogramming had not yet been proven effective—until now.
Led by Alejandro Ocampo, former assistant professor at UNIL’s Department of Biomedical Sciences and co-founder of the biotech company EPITERNA, the team developed a method known as partial chemical reprogramming. Unlike full cellular reprogramming that erases cell identity, this approach preserves the functional characteristics of the cells while reducing key hallmarks of aging such as cellular senescence and genomic instability.
Remarkably, just two molecules applied for six days were enough to produce significant improvements in aged human cells in vitro. In addition, the same treatment extended the lifespan of C. elegans, a widely used model organism in longevity research. The treatment is transient, reversible, and does not alter the cells’ genetic makeup, making it a safer and more controllable alternative to genetic interventions.
“This method holds great promise as a therapeutic strategy to target aging and age-related diseases,” said Alejandro Ocampo. Co-author Lucas Schoenfeldt added, “Our findings were also independently confirmed in mouse models, reinforcing the potential of this approach for human health.”
While further research is needed to translate these results into clinical applications, this innovative chemical reprogramming strategy may mark a significant step toward extending healthy human lifespan — without altering our DNA.
➡️ Source: UNIL | 📸 ©TungArt7 – Pixabay