What this means
Scientists boosted one gene in aged human cells and in mice. It made the cells and mice look younger in some ways. This does not show it would work the same way in people.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the abstract. The original is below.
- Who it was tested in
- Human cells in a lab and aged mice (9-10 per group)
- Kind of research
- A study
The science
- Original title
- Transcriptomic reprogramming screen identifies SRSF1 as a regulator of aging.
- Authors
- Plesa AM, Jung S, Wang HH et al.
- Journal
- Nature aging
- Published
- Oct 14, 2026
- Study type
- Study · in humans
- PMID
- 42875585 ↗
Abstract
Aging is characterized by progressive functional decline accompanied by distinct transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations. Although partial reprogramming via Yamanaka factors can reverse these signatures and improve cell function, toxicity and efficacy concerns limit their in vivo application, necessitating alternative geroprotective interventions. Here we develop an interpretable transcriptomic age predictor in human fibroblasts and perform a cDNA overexpression screen to identify factors that reprogram aged transcriptomes toward youthful states. This screen identifies the RNA-processing and splicing factor SRSF1 as a regulator of cellular aging that produces robust youthful transcriptional signatures without loss of cellular identity. In vitro, SRSF1 induction restores youthful phenotypes by reducing senescence, proteostatic stress and inflammatory signaling. In aged mice, inducible SRSF1 expression reduces frailty progression by 44% and is associated with a 14% extension of median lifespan (n = 9-10 per group). Our findings establish SRSF1 as a conserved regulator of aging and a promising geroprotective target.
Plesa AM, Jung S, Wang HH et al. Transcriptomic reprogramming screen identifies SRSF1 as a regulator of aging. Nature aging. 2026. doi:10.1038/s43587-026-01234-8. PMID: 42875585. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42875585/
Related research
Investigating the efficacy and toxicity of partial in vivo reprogramming as a rejuvenation intervention.
Partial reprogramming by cyclic expression of Yamanaka factors has been proposed as a rejuvenation strategy, yet evaluating tissue-specific responses and potential risks remains challenging.
Partial reprogramming in aged mice reduced brain damage after a stroke-like event
Researchers turned on four reprogramming genes in older mice and then blocked a brain artery. Those mice had smaller brain damage and better movement than normal mice.
A new idea about how body-wide signals may speed up aging late in life
This paper proposes a theory that signals between cells across the body shape how fast aging speeds up. It is an idea, not a tested result, so it does not prove the theory is right.
Plant extracts studied for effects on aging skin cells in a preprint
Researchers tested plant extract mixes on aged skin cells and skin samples in a lab. This is an early preprint, not yet checked by other scientists, so it does not show these mixes help real skin.
See all research on Cell reprogramming (Yamanaka factors) →