David Sinclair | Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To | Talks at Google

Talks at Google2 minutes read

Aging as a medical condition is discussed by David Sinclair, emphasizing the importance of changing how it's viewed in healthcare and introducing the information theory of aging. Loss of epigenetic information leads to cell changes and aging, with potential for reversal through factors like NMN and TET genes.

Insights

  • Aging is now recognized by the World Health Organization as a medical condition, challenging the traditional view of it as a natural process impacting over half the population.
  • Understanding and preserving epigenetic information, crucial for maintaining cellular identity and function, offers potential for delaying diseases and living healthier lives, as demonstrated through experiments on age reversal in mice and the use of molecules like NMN and metformin to activate longevity pathways.

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Recent questions

  • What is the impact of aging on the population?

    Aging affects over 50% of the population.

  • How does the epigenome influence aging?

    The epigenome plays a crucial role in aging.

  • Can aging be considered a natural process?

    Aging is not solely a natural process.

  • What role do TET1 and TET2 enzymes play in aging?

    TET1 and TET2 enzymes aid in reversing aging.

  • How can NMN impact aging-related issues?

    NMN can stabilize the genome and prevent aging issues.

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Summary

00:00

"Unlocking Secrets to Longer, Healthier Lives"

  • David Sinclair discusses the possibility of understanding how to live longer and healthier lives.
  • Aging is not considered a medical condition currently, despite its impact on more than 50% of the population.
  • The World Health Organization has recently declared aging as a medical condition.
  • Sinclair emphasizes the importance of changing the way aging is viewed and treated in healthcare.
  • He challenges the notion that aging is a natural process and argues for a shift in perspective.
  • Sinclair introduces the concept of the information theory of aging, focusing on genetic and epigenetic information.
  • Aging is attributed to a loss of epigenetic information, leading to changes in gene expression and cell identity.
  • The epigenome, as the software of our cells, plays a crucial role in aging and cellular function.
  • Changes in the epigenome over time result in cells losing their identity and functioning differently.
  • Understanding and preserving epigenetic information is key to delaying diseases and living healthier lives.

13:20

"Resetting Epigenome: Reversing Aging in Cells"

  • Loss of retinal function and memory due to cells not maintaining epigenomic information
  • Possibility of slowing down aging and resetting the system
  • Analogy of aging cells to scratched CDs, with potential for restoration
  • Experiment on genetically identical twin mice showing accelerated aging due to epigenomic changes
  • Discovery that broken chromosomes disrupt DNA structure, leading to cellular aging
  • Ability to induce accelerated aging in mice for research on diseases like Alzheimer's
  • Use of DNA methylation to accurately measure aging rate
  • Possibility of reversing aging by resetting epigenome using Yamanaka factors
  • Experiment involving injecting Yamanaka factors into mouse eye to regenerate optic nerve
  • Successful regeneration of optic nerve in mice after damage, indicating potential for age reversal in cells

26:02

Reversing Aging and Restoring Vision with NMN

  • Glaucoma can cause damage to the retina due to pressure, leading to irreversible vision loss.
  • Reprogramming the retina of old mice can restore their vision to that of young mice.
  • Enzymes called TET1 and TET2 play a role in reversing aging by removing chemical groups from DNA.
  • The absence of TET genes in a mouse's eye prevents the restoration of optic nerve growth and vision.
  • NMN, a chemical found in the body, can stabilize the genome and prevent aging-related issues.
  • NMN activates longevity pathways, improving cell survival and defense against aging.
  • Metformin and rapamycin are other molecules that can potentially slow aging and protect against diseases.
  • Eating less frequently, like skipping breakfast, can activate longevity pathways and mimic the effects of exercise and hunger.
  • Clinical trials with NMN are ongoing to raise NAD levels and potentially reverse aging effects.
  • The speaker's father's use of NMN and metformin, along with lifestyle changes, has improved his energy and quality of life in his late 70s.

38:37

"Unlocking Aging Secrets: Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Youth"

  • Senescent cells are compared to a scratched CD, representing the ultimate stage of mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • The speaker is enthusiastic about a theory that can explain a century of aging observations.
  • Testing hypotheses, such as altering genomes in mice, supports the theory's validity.
  • Oxidative stress contributes to genetic damage by causing broken chromosomes.
  • Free radicals, including those from cosmic rays and X-rays, are beneficial in biology.
  • Antioxidants from plants activate the body's natural defense mechanisms, like catalase, through xenohormesis.
  • Resetting cells to a youthful state can eliminate damaged proteins through autophagy, aided by chaperone-mediated autophagy.
  • Intermittent fasting can clear out oxidized collagen and other damaged proteins.
  • Clinical trials with molecules like NMN are costly but ongoing, with some showing positive results.
  • The epigenome involves digital components like methylation but is mostly analog, with proteins controlling gene expression and aging processes.

51:22

"Medication Prescribing, Supplement Stability, Cell Proliferation Risks"

  • Doctors may vary in their willingness to prescribe certain medications, such as metformin, with some being more open to it after reading literature on the subject.
  • NMN and NR are two similar supplements, with NR being cheaper but less stable than NMN. Both have shown positive effects in protecting the body in mice, with ongoing clinical trials for both.
  • The gene c-MYC controls cell proliferation and can reset the age of cells, but it can also lead to tumor development if activated in normal cells. Taking risks and persevering in the face of failure is crucial in pursuing career goals.
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