# Partial Reprogramming Is Conserved from Insect to Mammal

**Authors:** Nicholas S. Tolwinski, Sheng Fong, Sujithra Shankar, Jan Gruber

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/cells15020168 · Cells · 2026-01-16

## TL;DR

This paper explores how reversing cell aging using Yamanaka factors could help restore function in older organisms, from insects to mammals.

## Contribution

It highlights the conservation of partial reprogramming across species and suggests new directions for anti-aging interventions.

## Key findings

- Differentiated cells can revert to pluripotent states using Yamanaka factors, even in aged organisms.
- Partial reprogramming has shown life extension in both flies and mice.
- Combining reprogramming with senolytics and aging clocks could lead to new anti-aging therapies.

## Abstract

As we become older, systems throughout the body gradually decline in function. Contributing factors include the accumulation of senescent cells and the dysfunction and exhaustion of stem and progenitor cells. A promising approach to mitigate these changes and enhance cellular function in aged animals is the discovery that differentiated cells retain plasticity, enabling them to revert to pluripotent states when exposed to Yamanaka factors. This method has shown promise in models of rapid aging, and recent studies have demonstrated notable life extension in both flies and mice. These findings, along with the development of senolytics and aging clocks, could revolutionize aging research and interventions. Here, we review recent discoveries in the field and propose new directions for intervention discovery.

## Linked entities

- **Species:** Mus musculus (taxon 10090)

## Full-text entities

- **Species:** Mus musculus (house mouse, species) [taxon 10090]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12839720/full.md

## References

116 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12839720/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12839720