Gene therapy ageing research by scientists at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona extended lifespan in aged mice by more than 20% after a single injection. These findings were published in Molecular Therapy.
The study was led by Professor Fatima Bosch at UAB’s Centre for Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy. It tested an adeno-associated viral vector therapy that makes skeletal muscle produce fibroblast growth factor 21, or FGF21.
Researchers said FGF21 helps regulate metabolism, energy balance, insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by skeletal muscle.
Treated mice showed improved metabolic health after one administration, with reported benefits across heart, liver and kidney function.
The therapy also reduced signs of chronic inflammation and age-related tissue damage. Additionally, it reduced accumulation of some proteins associated with ageing, according to the study summary.
UAB-linked reporting said the 27-month pharmacology study found sustained benefits across multiple healthspan markers in old and geriatric mice.
Treated animals maintained better strength, endurance, motor coordination, memory and learning ability at advanced ages, according to the reported findings.
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The researchers said targeting FGF21 could become a strategy for extending healthy lifespan. However, they stressed that the results are limited to animal studies.
Further research and human clinical trials will be needed to determine whether the therapy is safe and effective in people.
