Why cells respond 'incorrectly' in old age

Key Points:

• PSI researchers have demonstrated that aging-related changes in human cells originate in the cell nucleus, specifically due to alterations in chromatin—the packaged form of DNA—leading to impaired cellular responses and potential diseases.
• The study compared skin cells from children and elderly individuals, finding that older cells exhibit weaker reactions to biochemical signals because chromatin structure changes with age, causing inaccurate gene expression and production of unwanted proteins.
• These chromatin changes result in the inappropriate activation of genes, which can impair processes like wound healing and tissue repair, and may contribute to diseases including cancer.
• The research team aims to explore therapeutic approaches to selectively modify or restore chromatin structure to a more youthful state, potentially slowing age-related tissue degeneration without stopping aging itself.
• Additionally, the team has developed an AI-based imaging technique to detect pathological chromatin modifications in blood cells, which could enable early diagnosis and targeted interventions for healthier aging.