Factors in the bloodstream can reverse certain characteristics of aging. Studies in the Wagers Lab have uncovered novel and conserved mechanisms and signaling proteins that are present normally in the bloodstream and can reverse some effects of aging in the skeletal muscle, heart and nervous system
This work supports the notion that common signals may control the manifestation of aging effects across the body’s organs and raise the possibility of developing new therapeutic strategies based on blood-borne geroprotective factors that could benefit multiple age-associated diseases that previously have been studied (and treated) as unrelated pathologies.
Legend: Soluble factors and cells found in the blood-stream of young animals can improve certain tissue functions when transferred into aged animals. Images show poor repair of muscle injury in aged mice (left) compared to more robust regeneration of injured muscle tissue after exposure to blood-borne factors from young animals. Identification of the factors present in young and old mice that mediate these responses holds promise for promoting healthy muscle function throughout the lifespan.
Novel systems enabling rapid interrogation of aging regulators and gene-based therapies for aging-related disease. To accelerate the discovery of critical genes and pathways that regulate aging and longevity and of new treatment approaches that can extend healthy lifespan, the Wagers lab has developed powerful platform technologies based on adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of geroprotective genes and sequence-specific (“designer”) genome editing enzymes into endogenous stem cells and tissues of young, aged and progeroid animals
These systems offer new opportunities to rapidly interrogate aging pathways in vivo to uncover novel molecular targets that specifically influence stem cell aging and regenerative function, and to intervene in aging pathologies by delivery of currently “undruggable” therapeutic gene products.
Legend: Robust AAV-mediated gene delivery to cardiac muscle (left) and skeletal muscle (right).