At the University of Cambridge, scientists have found a
chemical that can repair cells damaged by a disease called Hutchinson-Gilford
Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) involving accelerated aging. This disease is extremely
rare; only 150 people worldwide are known to have HGPS. This disease is a
genetic mutation that is not inherited. People with this disease only live
until their early teenage years. This disease causes cell nuclei to be
misshapen with symptoms including aging, brittle bones, stroke, and heart
attacks. The mutation occurs in a gene that makes the proteins Lamin A and
Lamin C. Scientists discovered a molecule named Remodelin that improved the
misshapen nuclei and restored their round shape and also improved cell health. Now
cures for HGPS using the Remodelin are underway. These discoveries have helped
in understanding normal aging as well.
I have
never heard of HGPS before and it sounds terrifying! It is exciting that people
that suffer from this awful disease may soon have their full effective cure.
Remodelin works differently from the drugs that are only semi-effective that
currently exists, so HGPS sufferers will hopefully have another shot at a
normal life! Find out more about HGPS here.
