Epigenetic rejuvenation by partial reprogramming.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of molecular mechanisms and cellular reprogramming literature with no primary human data.
PubMed 36871150 · doi:10.1002/bies.202200208
What was done
This narrative review synthesizes literature on cellular rejuvenation strategies, comparing full reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) against partial (interrupted) reprogramming, transdifferentiation, and selective resetting of epigenetic clocks.
What was found
The abstract reports no empirical numbers or quantitative effect sizes. It qualitatively notes that full iPSC reprogramming reverses molecular aging hallmarks (telomere shortening, transcriptomic aging profiles, replicative senescence, and epigenetic clock status) but causes loss of somatic cell identity and carries teratoma risk. Emerging evidence suggests partial reprogramming through transient factor exposure can reset epigenetic clocks while preserving cell identity, though whether rejuvenation can be completely uncoupled from pluripotency programs remains unresolved.
Why it matters
Partial reprogramming represents a leading hypothetical framework in anti-aging biotechnology to achieve tissue rejuvenation without oncogenic transformation or loss of cell identity.
Limits
The paper presents no original experimental data or systematic quantitative synthesis. In vivo control mechanisms, dosage protocols, and stability of the intermediate reprogrammed state remain poorly defined.
Cited by
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