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Our cells, particularly neurons, lose regenerative potential as they grow older. With aging come a series of changes in the expression of genes (epigenetic changes). Genetic manipulations in a laboratory dish can reverse aging in adult human cells (NEJM JW Gen Med Jan 1 2009). Could aging cells, even neurons, also be made more youthful in living animals?
A new report states that inserting a combination of three genes into mouse and human retinal neurons restores the youthful epigenetic pattern and enhances regeneration following injury. The investigators created a viral vector carrying these three genes and injected it into the vitreous humor of the eyes of two groups of mice: mice going blind from aging, and mice becoming blind from glaucom…