Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme critical for cellular energy metabolism that declines with age. NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR are studied as longevity interventions.

Mechanistic target of rapamycin, a key nutrient-sensing pathway that regulates cell growth and aging. Inhibiting mTOR (e.g., with rapamycin) has shown lifespan extension in multiple organisms.

A class of drugs that selectively eliminate senescent (aged, dysfunctional) cells to reduce inflammation and improve tissue function.

What is Epigenetic clock?

A biomarker based on DNA methylation patterns that estimates biological age, often more predictive of health outcomes than chronological age.

The period of life spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disability associated with aging.

An immunosuppressant drug that inhibits the mTOR pathway. Research shows rapamycin may extend lifespan and improve age-related health outcomes in multiple species.

What is Biological age?

A measure of how well or poorly your body is functioning relative to your chronological age, assessed through biomarkers such as DNA methylation, telomere length, and blood panels.

What is Caloric restriction?

A dietary regimen that reduces calorie intake without malnutrition. Caloric restriction is one of the most studied interventions shown to extend lifespan across species.

Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomere length is associated with aging and age-related diseases.

A state in which cells permanently stop dividing but resist death, accumulating with age and secreting inflammatory factors that damage surrounding tissue.

A second-generation epigenetic clock that predicts time to death and is considered one of the most accurate measures of biological aging.

What is Inflammaging?

Chronic, low-grade inflammation that increases with age and contributes to the development of age-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.

The large-scale study of proteins in biological systems. In longevity research, proteomics identifies blood protein signatures that predict biological age and disease risk.

What is Yamanaka factors?

A set of four transcription factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) that can reprogram adult cells to a pluripotent state. Partial reprogramming with Yamanaka factors is being explored to reverse cellular aging.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide, a precursor to NAD+ that is widely studied as a supplement to boost cellular energy and combat age-related decline.

A gene-editing technology that allows precise modifications to DNA. In longevity research, CRISPR is used to study and potentially modify genes associated with aging.

Mesoblast expands into CAR platform acquisition

Mesoblast has secured an exclusive worldwide license for a patented chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology platform, aimed at enhancing its therapeutic mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) products. This development follows the acquisition of a startup and the issuance of ASX ordinary shares, with foundational work originating from the Mayo Clinic and published in Nature Biomedical Engineering in April 2024. Mayo Clinic will also support Mesoblast with GMP manufacturing, ensuring that the engineered CAR constructs can be integrated into its existing allogeneic MSC platforms, including the FDA-approved Ryoncil product.

The significance of this advancement lies in its potential to improve target specificity, homing to inflamed tissue, and overall potency of MSC therapies. Mesoblast is focusing on immediate applications in inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, while also planning to develop CD19-expressing CAR-MSCs for conditions such as lupus nephritis and other B-cell autoimmune diseases. This strategic direction not only leverages existing technologies but also positions Mesoblast at the forefront of innovative therapeutic approaches in the field of regenerative medicine.

The key takeaway from this development is the potential shift in research paradigms regarding MSC-based therapies. By incorporating CAR technology, Mesoblast is likely to accelerate the drug development timelines for complex autoimmune conditions, which have historically been challenging to treat. The integration of advanced engineering into MSC products could redefine therapeutic efficacy and broaden the scope of conditions that can be effectively targeted, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in the field of longevity science and healthspan research.

Source: longevity.technology