Partial Epigenetic Reprograming of Cells:
The Yamanaka factors and other factors are a set of transcription factors that were discovered to be capable of making old adult cells become younger cells measured by epigenetic clocks, such as the Horvath clock, but yet securely stop cells back to earlier cellular stages, inducing pluripotency in somatic cells.
By using these factors, we have been able to partially reprogram cells, which has been shown to have potential therapeutic applications. One such application is the reversal of the methylation clock, which is a process by which DNA methylation accumulates over time and has been linked to age, and age-related diseases.
Studies have shown that partial epigenetic reprogramming using the Yamanaka factors can lead to a reduction in DNA methylation levels and potentially reverse the effects of the methylation clock. This approach holds promise for the development of new interventions for age-related diseases.