The TL;DR
While diet and exercise optimize the current machine, Gene Therapy attempts to upgrade the machine itself. By using viral vectors to deliver “youthful” genes, scientists have successfully extended lifespan in mice by over 40%. This is no longer science fiction; it is the cutting edge of biogerontology.
Accessibility Level
Level 4 (Experimental): Currently only available in clinical trials or offshore “biohacking” clinics (high risk). Not approved for human longevity use yet.
The Top Candidates
1. Telomerase (TERT)
- Concept: Deliver the TERT gene to re-lengthen telomeres.
- Result: Extended lifespan in mice by ~20% without increased cancer (Maria Blasco).
- Goal: Rejuvenate tissues and delay senescence.
2. Follistatin
- Concept: Inhibit Myostatin (the brake on muscle growth).
- Result: Massive increases in muscle mass and reduction in inflammation. Extended mouse lifespan by ~30% (Elizabeth Parrish / BioViva).
- Goal: Cure sarcopenia and frailty.
3. Klotho
- Concept: Klotho is a “longevity gene” that declines with age.
- Result: Boosting Klotho improves brain function and extends lifespan.
- Goal: Neuroprotection and kidney health.
Evidence Matrix
| Source | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| George Church | Expert | Working on combination gene therapies (TFAM, Klotho, PGC-1a) to reverse aging in dogs (Rejuvenate Bio). |
| Maria Blasco | Expert | Showed TERT therapy works in adult mice. |
| Liz Parrish | Biohacker | CEO of BioViva, self-administered Follistatin and Telomerase gene therapy in 2015. Claims telomere lengthening. |
The Risks (The “Oops” Factor)
- Cancer: Upgrading growth pathways (TERT) carries a theoretical risk of fueling latent tumors.
- Immune Reaction: The body may attack the viral vector (AAV), rendering the therapy useless or causing dangerous inflammation.
- Irreversibility: Once you edit the genome, you can’t easily Ctrl+Z.
References
Bernardes de Jesus, B., et al. (2012). Telomerase gene therapy in adult and old mice delays aging and increases longevity without increasing cancer. EMBO Molecular Medicine.
Jaijyan, D. K., et al. (2022). New intranasal and injectable gene therapy for healthy life extension. PNAS.
Kuro-o, M., et al. (1997). Mutation of the mouse klotho gene leads to a syndrome resembling ageing. Nature.