Scientists have recently established a unique bank of stem cells derived from the genetic material of long-livers, leading to new possibilities in the study of aging and longevity. This groundbreaking research, as detailed in a publication in the journal Aging Cell, utilized blood samples from participants in the New England Centenarian Study project, which is recognized as the largest database of individuals aged 100 years or older.
The research team successfully transformed blood cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), which have the potential to develop into various types of tissues. These specialized cells maintain the genetic information of their original donors, enabling scientists to probe into the mechanisms behind longevity at a cellular level.
An exceptional aspect of the project was that not only the long-livers themselves took part but also their offspring, allowing for an in-depth analysis of both inherited and environmental factors. Initial investigations into age markers revealed that the biological age of centenarians is approximately 6.5 years younger than their chronological age.
The converted stem cells retained their characteristics and capacity to differentiate into diverse cell types. For example, cortical neurons, crucial brain cells susceptible to age-related conditions, were generated from these stem cells. Remarkably, these neurons exhibited significant resilience to damage, including toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Furthermore, a striking observation was the partial loss of Y chromosomes in the cells of elderly men, potentially correlating with age-associated risks such as cardiovascular ailments and cancer. This finding presents an avenue for investigating gender disparities in longevity.
The stem cells sourced from long-livers have been made available to the scientific community for further investigations. These cells are anticipated to shed light on how genetics and cellular processes shield against age-related illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Additionally, they can be utilized to simulate the aging of various organs, ranging from the heart to the immune system.
The establishment of this stem cell bank signifies a significant advance not only in decoding the enigmas of longevity but also in the development of novel approaches for addressing age-associated conditions.