A revolutionizing initiative in Boston is shedding light on why centenarians thrive. By reprogramming their blood cells into versatile iPS cells, researchers are gaining unparalleled insights into the biology of longevity. Centenarian cells are already revealing secrets about cognitive resilience, disease resistance, and the genetic makeup that fosters exceptional recovery and health in advanced age.
By PC Bureau
In a groundbreaking effort to uncover the biology behind long and healthy lives, scientists in Boston, Massachusetts, have reprogrammed stem cells from the blood of centenarians. These unique cells, which can transform into any cell type in the body, are being shared with researchers worldwide to investigate the genetic and cellular mechanisms that contribute to exceptional longevity.
According to a report in Nature, early experiments have already provided fascinating insights into brain ageing, offering a glimpse into the resilience that enables some people to thrive well beyond a century.
The Unique Resilience of Centenarians
Centenarians provide a rare opportunity to study longevity. These individuals often exhibit extraordinary resilience, recovering from illnesses and injuries that are typically more severe in others. “People who’ve lived to 100 have an amazing ability to bounce back from insult and injury,” says George Murphy, a stem-cell biologist at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.
One participant, for instance, survived both the 1912 Spanish flu and COVID-19—twice. Researchers theorize that centenarians possess a unique genetic makeup that shields them from diseases and contributes to their robust health.
Building a Bank of Centenarian Cells
Testing this theory has long been a challenge due to the rarity of centenarians, making their blood and skin samples invaluable for research. To address this, Murphy and his colleagues established a cell bank to preserve and share centenarian-derived iPS cells with scientists worldwide.
“This bank is really exciting,” says Chiara Herzog, an epigenetics and ageing expert at King’s College London. Vadim Gladyshev, an ageing researcher at Harvard Medical School, adds, “It will be a very useful resource for the field.”
Finding and Studying Centenarians
Murphy collaborated with Tom Perls, a geriatrics physician at Boston University, who leads the New England Centenarian Study—the largest research project on people aged 100 and older. Centenarians were identified through voter-registration lists, news articles, and long-term care facilities. Many were eager to participate, recognizing their unique contribution to science.
Participants underwent assessments of their cognitive and physical abilities, and their blood samples were collected. Remarkably, many centenarians in the study were cognitively healthy and lived independently.
For about 30 participants, researchers reprogrammed their blood cells into iPS cells. During this process, the cells revert to a pluripotent state, enabling them to become any cell type in the body. This reversion erases many age-related cellular characteristics, allowing scientists to focus on genetic determinants of ageing.
Breakthrough Insights into Ageing
Initial experiments have yielded promising results. Murphy’s team grew neurons from centenarian iPS cells to study ageing at the cellular level. Normally, ageing cells lose efficiency in quality-control processes that manage protein production, which can lead to disease. However, neurons derived from centenarians exhibited a unique pattern: they remained “quiet” under normal conditions, yet activated quality-control mechanisms robustly under stress, swiftly sorting defective proteins.
In another study, researchers created 3D brain models using centenarian-derived brain cells. These models revealed high expression levels of genes associated with protection against Alzheimer’s disease compared to models derived from individuals in their 60s, according to Doo Yeon Kim, a neurology researcher at Harvard Medical School.
Expanding the Research
Looking ahead, researchers aim to develop other cell types from centenarian iPS cells, such as liver, muscle, and gut cells, as well as mini-organs. These efforts could further illuminate the cellular and genetic factors underlying longevity, potentially paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding and treating age-related diseases.
“This resource has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of ageing,” says Herzog. With centenarian cells now available for global research, scientists are one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of a long, healthy life.
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