It was possible to rejuvenate neurons and slow down the development of ALS in mice

In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, they used a viral vector to deliver two transcription factors— ISL1 and LHX3, to cells. These proteins are naturally active in the early stages of motor neuron development and control hundreds of genes that shape their functions. Reactivation of these factors in mature cells in mice slowed the onset of ALS symptoms and did not affect healthy neurons.

Unlike the Yamanaki method, which can “rejuvenate” cells to the state of stem cells and deprive them of specialized functions, the new approach carefully rolls the cell back in time, preserving its working properties.

Although the direct clinical implementation of the technology still faces technical and safety barriers, researchers are looking for key genes among the 200 that are activated by ISL1 and LHX3. If only one or two crucial factors can be identified, they can be stimulated with drugs, bypassing gene therapy.

Scientists hope that the discovery will find applications in other diseases of aging neurons, from Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s. “Everyone is looking for the fountain of youth, and we have a chance to get closer to it,” says Lowry.

It is noted that one of the most interesting aspects of the work was that the “rejuvenation” of neurons was accompanied by a change in their genetic “handwriting” towards a more flexible and stress-resistant configuration. This indirectly confirms the hypothesis that the age of cells is not just the number of years lived, but a complex of accumulated molecular changes that can be partially reversed.

Experts who were not involved in the study believe that such technologies may eventually change the approach to the treatment of chronic neurological diseases. Instead of trying to treat already dead cells, medicine will be able to focus on preserving the health of vulnerable neurons, prolonging the active life of patients for years or even decades.