Can a world-first gene therapy reverse ageing?
Summary
This episode explores a groundbreaking trial by Life Biosciences using Yamanaka factors to rejuvenate retinal cells in patients with age-related eye disease. Hosts Madeleine Finlay and Ian Sample discuss how epigenetic reprogramming could reverse cellular aging, potentially treating age as a disease. They interview Professor Paul Knopfler, who highlights the risks of tumor formation and the current focus on safety in this first-in-human study.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Reversing biological time and cellular rejuvenation
Life Biosciences trial for age-related eye disease
Cellular aging: DNA damage, mitochondria, and epigenetics
Understanding epigenetic markers and their role in cell identity
Yamanaka factors and induced pluripotent stem cells
Risks of reprogramming: Teratoma cancers and loss of cell identity
The ER100 gene therapy trial and David Sinclair's involvement
Safety concerns and expert skepticism on trial efficacy
Future implications: Treating aging as a disease
Conclusion and credits
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