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Scientists created a molecule which is able to kill elderly cells and prevent aging.
STATES CHRONICLE – Scientists discovered a method through which they can kill elderly cells and reduce the aging signs. Every human body contains damaged and frail cells which promote illnesses and age us. Recently, researchers managed to create a molecule which was programmed to destroy only the senescent cells. This compound was tested on mice and scholars observed that it makes old mice appear and act as if they were younger.
A new molecule can kill elderly cells
If this worked on mice, then scientists hope it will also work on people. Francis Rodier of the University of Montreal in Canada stated that this new study is bound to be a historic discovery in the field. He also said that this is the first time when scientists proved that they could get rid of elderly cells without any symptoms or side effects. Specialists explain that as people grow older, these senescent cells develop in or tissues where they fix and trigger different illnesses like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.
Previously, researchers managed to modify mice from a genetic point of view to shed their senescent cells, allowing them to live a long life while also diminishing plaque buildup in their arteries. These genetic mutations are not applicable in the case of humans. Nevertheless, researchers have reported having discovered seven different compounds which are known as senolytics and which kill senescent cells.
Scientists tested their new finding on mice and it was successful
Currently, a clinical trial is developing tests on two of these drugs in patients diagnosed with kidney disease. In the meantime, other trials are in progress. Unfortunately, many senolytic compounds which are basically cancer drugs, are known to come with side effects. They are responsible for killing healthy cells too, triggering symptoms like a decrease in the number of platelets, the cellular layers which help the blood clot.
Peter de Keizer, a cell biologist at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, together with his colleagues, were analyzing how senescent cells manage to remain alive when researchers discovered a new method to destroy them. Senescent cells contain the type of DNA damage which should stimulate a protective protein, known as p53, to destroy them.
Nevertheless, scientists revealed that instead of another protein, FOXO4 attaches to p53 and prohibits it to perform its task. Thus, researchers developed a molecule, peptide, which prevents FOXO4 and p53 from connecting. If the new study proves to be successful in humans, then it will offer them the chance to eternal youth and beauty.
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