Aging, a complex process marked by gradual declines in fitness and function, remains a key area of scientific inquiry. Dr. Raj Gill joins us in this episode to shed light on how the aging process impacts cells, leading to reduced function, altered gene expression, and a disrupted epigenome.

Dr. Gill introduces us to an innovative technique known as "Maturation Phase Transient Reprogramming" (MPTR), designed to rejuvenate the epigenome without fully reprogramming cells. This novel method, applied to dermal fibroblasts from middle-aged donors, demonstrates the exciting potential for substantially rejuvenating multiple cellular attributes.

The MPTR method provides a way for cells to temporarily lose their identity and then reacquire it, suggesting an intriguing interplay of epigenetic memory and persistent gene expression. The transcriptome, the epigenome, and H3K9me3 levels were all significantly rejuvenated. Moreover, the fibroblasts rejuvenated through MPTR were observed to produce youthful levels of collagen proteins and demonstrate enhanced migration speed, indicating functional rejuvenation.

In this stimulating conversation, Dr. Gill also hints at the existence of optimal time windows for rejuvenating the transcriptome and the epigenome, thereby setting the stage for further exploration in this area.

Tune in as we delve into the exciting world of cellular aging, and learn how it might be possible to turn back time at the cellular level to discover new anti-aging genes and therapies.

Keywords: Dr. Raj Gill, Aging, Epigenome, Transcriptome, Maturation Phase Transient Reprogramming (MPTR), Cellular Rejuvenation, Dermal Fibroblasts, Anti-aging Therapy.

https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.71624 Multi-omic rejuvenation of human cells by maturation phase transient reprogramming