September 2024 Longevity Research Newsletter

6 min readOct 21, 2024

Introduction

Welcome back Vitalians!

VitaDAO is excited to announce the launch of VitaLabs — our new Venture Studio, comprising an in-house network of interdisciplinary scientists dedicated to generating novel IP with a view to extending human healthspan.

And to kick-start, we are introducing the VitaLabs Fellowship Program, offering a unique opportunity for you to break free from rigid academic structures and push the frontier of longevity science! Join us in accelerating longevity research!
Apply now for the VitaLabs Fellowship Program

Longevity Literature Hot Picks

Pre-print Corner

Systemic extracellular acidification is a hallmark of aging

Published Research Papers

Targeted partial reprogramming of age-associated cell states improves markers of health in mouse models of aging

This study explores a targeted gene therapy approach to slow aging and extend lifespan by delivering specific genes (OSK) to reprogram aged or stressed cells in mice. The therapy improved health markers, delayed aging signs, and extended lifespan without causing tumors, showing potential for future treatments to enhance human health and resilience in aging.

Probabilistic inference of epigenetic age acceleration from cellular dynamics

This research highlights limitations in current epigenetic clocks used to measure biological aging, as they can be influenced by factors unrelated to aging. To improve accuracy, the researchers developed a new model that distinguishes between two key processes, acceleration and bias, which more directly reflect cellular changes and better correlate with factors affecting aging like smoking and alcohol consumption.

Fundamental equations linking methylation dynamics to maximum lifespan in mammals

This study explores how the rate of change in DNA methylation relates to maximum lifespan across various mammal species. The findings show that in specific chromatin regions, there is an inverse relationship between methylation rate and lifespan, with younger animals’ methylation patterns reflecting those of older animals, but the overall methylation level doesn’t correlate with lifespan.

Rejuvenation of aged oocyte through exposure to young follicular microenvironment

This study shows that the aging of follicular somatic cells, which support oocyte development, may contribute to fertility decline. By transplanting aged oocytes into young follicles, researchers demonstrated improved oocyte maturation, mitochondrial function, and developmental potential, suggesting that future therapies targeting these somatic cells could help treat female infertility.

Hematopoietic aging promotes cancer by fueling IL-1⍺–driven emergency myelopoiesis

This study reveals that aging of the immune system, rather than the age of the tumor itself, promotes lung cancer progression by increasing the production of inflammatory cells that accelerate tumor growth. Targeting the IL-1⍺ signaling pathway, which is linked to age-related immune changes, could help slow cancer development and improve survival in older individuals.

E5 treatment showing improved health-span and lifespan in old Sprague Dawley rats

This study investigates the effects of a plasma-derived treatment (E5) on aging in older rats, showing that E5 improved strength, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhanced organ health. The treatment significantly extended the rats’ lifespan and maintained normal cellular structure, suggesting E5 may be a promising therapy for promoting healthy aging.

A longevity-specific bank of induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians and their offspring

This study analyzed blood samples from centenarians and their offspring to better understand the biology of longevity and resistance to aging-related diseases. By creating high-quality stem cell lines from these samples, researchers developed a unique resource that could help discover new therapies for aging and enhance our understanding of healthy aging and resilience.

Published Literature Reviews, Hypothesis, Perspectives and more

The paradox of senescent-marker positive cancer cells: challenges and opportunities

This study examines the paradox of some cancer cells showing both proliferation and markers of senescence, despite senescence being a natural anti-tumor mechanism. The researchers discuss the challenges in detecting these senescent-marker-positive cancer cells and explore potential strategies to exploit senescence for cancer treatment.

Genetic origins, regulators, and biomarkers of cellular senescence

This review delves into the molecular and genetic factors driving cellular senescence, focusing on stressors like DNA damage, telomere shortening, and oncogene activation. It also explores the intricate signaling pathways involved in senescence, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for aging-related diseases and future research directions for better understanding and treating senescent cells.

News and Media

BioAge brings in almost $200M from IPO as obesity biotech joins Nasdaq

Metformin Slows Aging in Non-Human Primates

Axolotls seem to pause their biological clocks and stop ageing

Boehringer, Insilico Appear to Break Through Against IPF

Scientists find plant-like behavior in human cells

LYCHOS is a human hybrid of a plant-like PIN transporter and a GPCR

Targeting Senescent Cells by Their Surface Markers

Highlighting the nature of epigenetic aging

Job Board

Gabi Desdín is looking for a new PhD student to join me at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne. Partial reprogramming of hematopoietic stem cells during aging and bone marrow failure syndromes.

Ora Biomedical is hiring research technician, business development manager and software engineer.

Prizes

There are just 3 months left to enter XPRIZE Healthspan!

Conferences

Biomarkers of Aging

November 1–2, 2024, Boston, MA

Aging: New Frontiers in Rejuvenation and Gerotherapeutics

February 17–20, 2025

Tweets of the Month

Alan Tomusiak

Introducing the *longevity spectrum!*

The longevity field is tough in that encompasses anything from supplement companies to body replacement. To make some sense of it, I’ve arranged the community in a series of “levels” based on hardcore-ness.

Where would you place yourself?

Lada Nuzhna

I will likely be executed for high treason for saying this but I strongly believe that mechanisms for aging prevention and mechanisms for fixing age-related diseases are 2 almost completely different subsets of targets, which is why I think many aging-minded companies will likely fail in the coming decade, with some exceptions*…

Podcasts and Webinars

Mike Mutzel: Choosing YOUR Supplements, Cholesterol & Social Health

Conquer Aging Or Die Trying!

Could This Little Pill Stop You From Aging?

Outro

We appreciate you sticking with our research newsletter for another month and hope the content we curate is useful in helping you to keep up-to-date with all the exciting longevity-related developments. See you next month!