Yuri Deigin, CEO of YouthBio Therapeutics and a visionary in longevity science, dives into the revolutionary potential of partial reprogramming gene therapies aimed at rejuvenating not just cells, but entire organisms. He shares insights about tackling aging as the root cause of diseases, the complexities of epigenetics, and advances in Alzheimer’s treatments. The conversation highlights ethical considerations, the challenges of funding biotech innovations, and the exciting prospects of extending lifespans through scientific discovery.
Partial reprogramming can rejuvenate aging cells, offering a potential pathway for treating age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Recognizing aging as a root cause of diseases is crucial for developing efficient therapies rather than just addressing symptoms.
Cultural attitudes toward aging present challenges in openly discussing and accepting research aimed at reversing its effects.
Deep dives
Partial Reprogramming and Cellular Rejuvenation
Partial reprogramming can transform old skin cells into embryonic-like stem cells, effectively rejuvenating them at a cellular level. This process mirrors the rejuvenation that occurs after fertilization, where an egg cell reverts to an embryonic stage during cell division. The speaker suggests that while delivering a full 'Benjamin Button' effect in humans is not imminent, cellular rejuvenation shows potential in treating age-related ailments through reversing cellular aging mechanisms.
Awareness of Aging as a Disease
The speaker emphasizes the need to recognize aging as the root cause of various diseases rather than merely focusing on treating the symptoms of aging-related diseases. Having switched from conventional drug development to aging research, the assertion is that addressing the aging process is more efficient than merely mitigating associated diseases. The awareness of aging as a treatable condition is still evolving, and many people hold outdated beliefs about the naturalness and inevitability of aging.
The Role of Epigenetics in Aging
Epigenetics is identified as a key driver of aging, with emphasis on how gene expression patterns change over time. The speaker advocates for a strong epigenetic theory of aging, suggesting that the epigenetic changes observed are not merely accidental but may be part of a programmed process continuing from development into aging. Understanding these changes could lead to significant lifespan extension by addressing the alterations in gene expression associated with aging.
Partial Reprogramming Trials and Innovations
The development of partial reprogramming therapy has shown promising results in animal models, especially in prolonging lifespan and improving health markers. Notable studies have indicated that periodic exposure to Yamanaka factors can induce rejuvenation without the severe side effects typically associated with full reprogramming. Advancements in gene therapy delivery methods aim to target specific tissues while minimizing risks, making this a potential breakthrough in age-related therapy.
Targeting Alzheimer's Disease with Gene Therapy
The speaker's company, focused on Alzheimer's disease, aims to use partial reprogramming to prevent or reverse symptoms of cognitive decline. Given a hereditary predisposition to the disease, the motivation for developing treatments is deeply personal. The focus on Alzheimer’s highlights a significant unmet clinical need and reflects the broader goal of using partial reprogramming as a strategy against age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
The Ethical Dilemma of Aging Research
The conversation reveals a cultural reluctance to openly discuss aging and the desire to eradicate it, rooted in societal beliefs around death and aging being natural. Many researchers express hesitation to directly address age reversal due to potential public backlash or negative perceptions. The speaker argues that focusing on preventing aging should not be considered taboo and emphasizes the importance of advocating for research that extends both healthspan and lifespan.
This is one of the most amazing new discoveries: We can rejuvenate cells. Next step is to rejuvenate entire organisms, and ultimately human beings including our brains. Yuri Deigin, CEO of YouthBio Therapeutics, is a pioneering drug developer and longevity maximalist currently working on partial reprogramming gene therapies for Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
