GENETICS: Gene-editing discovery could reverse ageing

CRISPR is a way off being used in human therapeutics, but a new discovery could unlock its potential

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Gene editing probably isn't the first method that comes to mind for keeping your brain young. However, recent research suggests that the DNA-modification technology known as CRISPR has the potential to rejuvenate our stem cells and reverse ageing. Stem cells are unspecialised cells that are capable of dividing and renewing into specific, differentiated cells.

While the technology is a long way from being used in humans, fresh breakthroughs could prove significant in fundamental biology. Specifically, scientists may have found a way to boost the ability of old stem cells in your brain to produce young new cells, rejuvenating the organ.

"We think [this] could be part of a resilience mechanism for an older brain," says the study's principal investigator, Prof Anne Brunet of Stanford Medicine in the US.

But in humans, she says, "this is extremely speculative." So far, the researchers in Brunet's lab have successfully boosted the brain function of mice into old age.

They used CRISPR, a tool that works like 'molecular scissors' to precisely cut sections of DNA, to disrupt the neural stem cells in the mice. This reactivated the cells, prompting them to generate new neurons.

While human stem cells don't work exactly the same way, the discovery could still guide research towards creating treatments for age-related diseases, like dementia.

HOW DO GENES AFFECT AGEING?

As you age, your stem cells deteriorate. Usually able to activate and produce new ones, they instead stay dormant (or, to scientists, 'quiescent'). The same is true for stem cells in mice.