Brave new world – can we tinker with genes at a cellular level to improve aging? The October 2022 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery “Innovative Genetic Medicines.”
They cite studies already being done on gene therapies: where they put a gene in for a receptor in patients with cancer. They are doing gene replacement. The use of CRISPR gene editing systems to fix single genetic mutations rather than replace the whole gene has broadened the application for genetic medicines. The thoughts are
- Can we increase DNA repair enzymes?
- Can we extend telomeres?
- How do we deliver these? get the right cells to do it at the right time?
- How do you get by the plasma membrane? What carrier vehicle do you use?
- Viral vectors have been used. How do you prevent blocking antibodies? $$.
- Nonviral vectors like lipid nanoparticles have had some success, as have proteolipid vehicles which is a protein/lipid combo. These are cheaper and faster to develop.
My thoughts?
All of the antiaging space: stem cells, mitochondria and NAD, telomeres, DNA repair, genetic splicing. This is the future for all aspects of medicine, including plastic surgery. Wound healing, delaying cellular aging, reversing chronic diseases, tissue repair, cancer. It’s exciting. Not sure if it will be usable during my lifetime, but I hope so for my kids.