A new study has shown that modified stem cells can counteract systemic aging in monkeys, a discovery that could be a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine. The findings, published in the journal Cell, are the first to demonstrate that genetically engineered human stem cells can slow down age-related changes in primates.
Over a 44-week period, scientists injected crab-eating macaques with mesenchymal progenitor cells that were modified with the longevity gene FOXO3 to be resistant to aging. The therapy successfully reduced markers of cellular senescence, chronic inflammation, and tissue degeneration without causing significant side effects in the animals.
The treated monkeys showed improvements in memory, brain structure, bone health, and reproductive function. Analysis of their blood and internal organs revealed signs of rejuvenation, and their “biological clocks” indicated that their tissue age had decreased by several years.
According to the researchers, the key to the anti-aging effect was exosomes—tiny vesicles secreted by the transplanted cells. While the scientists acknowledge this is only the first step, the study opens the door to developing new regenerative therapies that could eventually be used to combat aging in humans.
