What Must Be Done Before Aging Can Be Cured
Challenges to advancing longevity research highlighted in large-scale survey
Mari Lezhava
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The desire, the human lifespan Prolonging and promoting healthier aging has evolved from a science fiction scenario to a tangible scientific goal. In recent years, advances in longevity research have reinforced optimism that aging can be effectively combated during our lifetime. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome on the way to this ambitious goal. Based on the findings of the Longevity Biotech Fellowship Bottleneck Consortium In a survey of 400 experts, five key components are mentioned here that are necessary to advance longevity research.
1. Clarifying biomarkers for aging
The accurate evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-aging measures depends on reliable biomarkers of aging. DNA methylation Although frequently used, it does not cover the full spectrum of age-related changes. The development of comprehensive biomarkers that reflect various aspects of aging independent of external factors is essential if the effectiveness of therapies is to be accurately assessed.
2. Increase in financial resources
Despite its potential to reduce the burden of age-related diseases, longevity research remains underfunded compared to disease-specific initiatives. Redirecting funding to researching the mechanisms underlying aging could result in significant health benefits. Balancing investments in disease-oriented research and researching the causes of aging is critical to maximizing long-term health outcomes.
3. Improved research models
Effective testing of anti-aging treatments requires accurate models to mimic the human aging process. Current models, such as animal experiments and cell cultures, can only reflect the complexity of human aging to a limited extent. In order to make progress in longevity research, more representative models must be developed that better represent human physiology and the diseases associated with aging.
4. Stricter regulatory framework
Traditional drug development regulations are ill-suited to longevity therapies that target multiple age-related diseases simultaneously. The regulatory framework must therefore be adapted to enable therapies that target aging itself rather than specific diseases. This requires a reassessment of risk assessment methodologies and ethical considerations to facilitate the development and review of anti-aging measures.
5. Better public understanding
Despite increasing media coverage, there are still misconceptions about longevity research that affect public support. It is therefore important to inform the public about the potential benefits of longevity research for overall health and wellbeing in order to achieve wider support and funding.
Raising public awareness, adapting regulations, improving research models, redistributing funding, and optimising biomarkers will accelerate progress in longevity research. If these challenges can be overcome, the way can be paved for a future in which healthier aging and higher life expectancy are not only aimed at, but achieved.
The challenges mentioned here do not cover all of Bottlenecks Consortium identified problems. Other issues frequently mentioned include the inadequate exchange of data between researchers and the lack of qualified professionals entering this area. The latter problem is partly linked to the previously mentioned factors, such as funding shortages and regulatory barriers, which may prevent aspiring researchers from engaging in longevity research.
Detailed results of the survey, as well as detailed analyses with charts and infographics, are available on the website of Longevity Biotech Fellowship to find.
References
Publiziert
18.4.2024
Kategorie
Science
Scientific Terms
Biomarkers
A specific substance, physical characteristic, gene, etc. that can be measured to indicate the presence or progress of a disease.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
DNA Methylation Clock
Changes in the number and locations of DNA methylation marks on DNA can be used to predict lifespan and mark the time from birth. When an organism is epigenomically reprogrammed or cloned, the methyl labels are removed, reversing the age of the cell.
The desire, the human lifespan Prolonging and promoting healthier aging has evolved from a science fiction scenario to a tangible scientific goal. In recent years, advances in longevity research have reinforced optimism that aging can be effectively combated during our lifetime. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome on the way to this ambitious goal. Based on the findings of the Longevity Biotech Fellowship Bottleneck Consortium In a survey of 400 experts, five key components are mentioned here that are necessary to advance longevity research.
1. Clarifying biomarkers for aging
The accurate evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-aging measures depends on reliable biomarkers of aging. DNA methylation Although frequently used, it does not cover the full spectrum of age-related changes. The development of comprehensive biomarkers that reflect various aspects of aging independent of external factors is essential if the effectiveness of therapies is to be accurately assessed.
2. Increase in financial resources
Despite its potential to reduce the burden of age-related diseases, longevity research remains underfunded compared to disease-specific initiatives. Redirecting funding to researching the mechanisms underlying aging could result in significant health benefits. Balancing investments in disease-oriented research and researching the causes of aging is critical to maximizing long-term health outcomes.
3. Improved research models
Effective testing of anti-aging treatments requires accurate models to mimic the human aging process. Current models, such as animal experiments and cell cultures, can only reflect the complexity of human aging to a limited extent. In order to make progress in longevity research, more representative models must be developed that better represent human physiology and the diseases associated with aging.
4. Stricter regulatory framework
Traditional drug development regulations are ill-suited to longevity therapies that target multiple age-related diseases simultaneously. The regulatory framework must therefore be adapted to enable therapies that target aging itself rather than specific diseases. This requires a reassessment of risk assessment methodologies and ethical considerations to facilitate the development and review of anti-aging measures.
5. Better public understanding
Despite increasing media coverage, there are still misconceptions about longevity research that affect public support. It is therefore important to inform the public about the potential benefits of longevity research for overall health and wellbeing in order to achieve wider support and funding.
Raising public awareness, adapting regulations, improving research models, redistributing funding, and optimising biomarkers will accelerate progress in longevity research. If these challenges can be overcome, the way can be paved for a future in which healthier aging and higher life expectancy are not only aimed at, but achieved.
The challenges mentioned here do not cover all of Bottlenecks Consortium identified problems. Other issues frequently mentioned include the inadequate exchange of data between researchers and the lack of qualified professionals entering this area. The latter problem is partly linked to the previously mentioned factors, such as funding shortages and regulatory barriers, which may prevent aspiring researchers from engaging in longevity research.
Detailed results of the survey, as well as detailed analyses with charts and infographics, are available on the website of Longevity Biotech Fellowship to find.
Referenzen
Publiziert
18.4.2024
Kategorie
Science
Wissenschaftliche Begriffe
Biomarkers
A specific substance, physical characteristic, gene, etc. that can be measured to indicate the presence or progress of a disease.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
DNA Methylation Clock
Changes in the number and locations of DNA methylation marks on DNA can be used to predict lifespan and mark the time from birth. When an organism is epigenomically reprogrammed or cloned, the methyl labels are removed, reversing the age of the cell.
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