In a surprising turn in longevity research, dogs are now in the spotlight as potential models for understanding human aging. Stephanie Abraham, a dog breeder and dog show judge in Connecticut, has played a crucial role in this groundbreaking research. She lives with nine Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, including Ace, a nine-year-old dog who recently developed a heart murmur, a common condition that affects around 7% of all dogs and 80% of Cavaliers.
Ace has been enrolled in an experimental treatment, called RJB-01, which delivers two genes associated with longevity. Unlike traditional gene therapies, which usually focus on a single genetic defect, RJB-01 does not target a specific mutation, but rather seeks to restore cellular processes that decline with age.
Daniel Oliver, co-founder and CEO of Rejuvenate Bio, the company behind the development of this therapy, says that the aim is to impact multiple age-related conditions by focusing on aging itself. This experimental treatment in dogs opens up new possibilities for the treatment of chronic diseases and perhaps even aging in humans.
The Dog Aging project, led by biologist Matt Kaeberlein from the University of Washington, is another initiative that uses dogs to explore aging. With almost 40,000 dogs enrolled, the project seeks to identify biological, environmental and genetic factors that promote healthy longevity.
This focus on dogs, which share many aspects of their environment and diet with humans, offers a unique opportunity to better understand aging processes and potentially develop treatments for humans. Even if this research doesn't result in direct advances for human longevity, it could lead to innovative treatments for our canine friends, bringing benefits for both animal and human health.
