Researchers at Bar-Ilan University in Israel have reported findings that suggest certain aspects of aging may be reversible. In a recent study published in Nature Communications, the team demonstrated that increasing the activity of a protein called Sirt6 restored aged liver cells in elderly mice to a more youthful state.

The research showed that enhanced Sirt6 activity reversed age-related changes in chromatin structure—the way DNA is organized and regulated within cells. According to the researchers, this is the first study to demonstrate that Sirt6 can restore youthful molecular patterns in already aged animals, rather than merely slowing the aging process when activated earlier in life.

“We essentially took the liver and rejuvenated it,” said study leader Haim Cohen. “It was like restoring an instruction manual that had become disorganized, making it clear and functional again.”

The study, conducted by doctoral students Ron Nagar and Zacharia Schwartz, focused on mice approximately 24 months old, an age roughly equivalent to humans in their 70s or 80s. Within about a month of increasing Sirt6 activity in the liver, the researchers observed that chromatin structures resembled those typically found in young animals.

Beyond molecular changes, the treated mice exhibited reduced inflammation and improved metabolic function, indicating that the rejuvenated liver was not only biologically younger but also functioning more effectively. Researchers also reported no harmful side effects. Instead, the animals displayed improved overall health, including enhanced metabolism, greater activity levels, and lower tumor incidence—traits more commonly associated with younger mice.

Notably, the rejuvenating effects persisted for at least three months after treatment, a period that could correspond to several years in human lifespan terms. These findings raise the possibility that future therapies could target aging itself rather than focusing solely on age-related diseases.

The researchers suggest that Sirt6-based therapies may one day help older individuals recover more effectively from surgery, illness, or other age-associated health challenges. Building on these promising results, the Israeli biotechnology company SirTLab is currently developing therapies designed to activate Sirt6 and is seeking funding to advance them toward clinical trials.

Source: https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/e-possibile-invertire-il-processo-di-invecchiamento-cellulare-uno-studio-delluniversita-israeliana-bar-ilan/