Single molecule reverses signs of aging in muscles and brains, mouse study reveals

A single, small molecule can restore muscle strength, fuel brain cell growth and reduce iNFLaMMAtion in old mice, new research shows.

So far, the anti-aging molecule has only been tested in rodents and in human cells in lab dishes. But the researchers say the results are compelling enough to move the compound toward human trials, potentially within a few years. 

"Given the strength of the preclinical data, it is my view that there's justification for moving this forward," said senior study author Dr. Ronald DePinho, a professor and former president at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

"We have confidence that this mechanism would have beneficial effects with respect to things that impact health span," enabling people to live healthier lives into old age, DePinho told Live Science. 

Related: 'Biological aging' speeds up in times of great stress, but it can be reversed during recovery 

Reversing aging with one molecule

In  the new study, published June 21 in the journal Cell, researchers looked to increase the amount of a protein that normally dwindles with age: telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT).

TERT is a key cog in a cellular machine that extends the length of telomeres — protective caps that prevent fraying at the ends of chromosomes. The shortening of telomeres has been tied to aging and age-related diseases, such as cancer. This shortening happens partly because, with age, chemical tags build up on our chromosomes, causing what's known as "epigenetic" changes. Some of these changes switch off the gene for TERT, causing cells to make less of the protein.