Stanford researchers produce short-term reversal of skin aging in mice

December 5, 2007 | Source: KurzweilAI

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have reversed the effects of aging on the skin of mice, at least for a short period, by blocking the action of a single critical protein, NF-kappa-B.

After two weeks, the skin of 2-year-old mice had the same genes active as cells in the skin of newborn mice.

The work backs up the theory that aging is the result of specific genetic changes rather than accumulated wear and tear, Chang said. What’s more, those genetic changes can be reversed even late in life.

The researchers believe their work could point to a way of helping older people heal more quickly after surgery or boost organ function during illness. These short-term applications aren’t as likely to risk side effects that could accompany blocking such a critical protein.

Stanford news release