Partial Cell Reprogramming as a Way to Revitalize Living Systems

Aging and associated diseases are acute problems of modern biology and medicine. Although aging cannot currently be prevented, its impact on the lifespan and health of older adults can potentially be minimized through interventions aimed at returning cells to normal function. The constant search for ways to rejuvenate and improve the regenerative capacity of cells led to the discovery in 2016 of a partial reprogramming method based on short-term expression of reprogramming factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc). As a result, the youthful epigenetic signature of aging cells is restored. The effectiveness of the method is shown as in the system in vitro and in vivo. The presented review discusses the main successes of partial reprogramming, as well as the problems and unresolved questions that researchers have encountered. Data on molecular changes during the process of partial reprogramming are discussed separately. The partial reprogramming method provides a wide range of opportunities for fundamental research on aging and rejuvenation. Further work in this direction may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to alleviate age-related diseases and, thus, improve health and longevity.