OSK gene therapy (Yamanaka factors) can rejuvenate tissues, such as restoring vision in mice with glaucoma, with no notable side effects after prolonged use.

noli's read

This statement is based on pioneering work published in the journal Nature (Lu et al., 2020), which uses a partial cellular reprogramming approach. Research confirms that by expressing OSK factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4), it is possible to restore the epigenome of aging cells, effectively improving visual function in murine models. While the evidence is robust in the laboratory (experimental study on animals), it is crucial to note that this is a preclinical stage. Extrapolating to humans is a promising prospect but remains theoretical at this stage, as human biological complexity and potential risks (such as loss of cellular identity or tumor risk) differ from those observed in mice. The term 'rejuvenation' is used here in a precise scientific context, but it does not yet signify an available clinical application. The absence of side effects observed in these mice is an encouraging result, but insufficient to guarantee long-term safety in humans.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.