University of Bonn researchers rejuvenate human cells by 60 years

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Bonn University Hospital in Germany have developed a method to significantly reduce the molecular age of human cells. By reprogramming immature red blood cell precursors, the team successfully converted blood cells from an 80-year-old donor into neural stem cells.

This transformation resulted in molecular markers that correspond to an age of less than 20 years, effectively reversing the biological clock by over 60 years. Unlike previous methods that involve a rapid transition through a pluripotent stem cell stage, this process occurs gradually. This slower pace allows scientists to monitor changes over a longer period, providing critical insights into how cellular aging can be reversed.

The study, published in Aging Cell, suggests that these newly generated neural stem cells could eventually become brain cells. Previous experiments by the team demonstrated that such cells could successfully integrate and communicate with existing neurons when transplanted into mice. This breakthrough offers potential pathways for developing treatments for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.