BUFFALO, NY — June 17, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 5, on May 1, 2025, titled “Oxytocin modulates insulin and GLP-1 secretion in pancreatic islets.”

In this study, scientists from Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine investigated how the hormone oxytocin (Oxt) influences insulin levels by acting on specific cells in the pancreas. The team led by first author Kasumi Hattori and corresponding authors Kenju Shimomura and Yuko Maejima discovered that oxytocin may indirectly increase insulin secretion by triggering another hormone, GLP-1, from within the pancreas. This finding could lead to new strategies for improving blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Oxytocin is commonly known for its roles in childbirth and social bonding, but scientists have also been exploring its effects on metabolism. While previous studies offered mixed results about whether oxytocin raises or lowers blood sugar, this research brings new clarity. The study focused on oxytocin’s impact on insulin and a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate insulin production. Researchers tested this by using mice with and without oxytocin receptors and found that oxytocin’s ability to raise insulin levels depended on the presence of these receptors and high blood sugar conditions.

Researchers found that oxytocin stimulates the release of “intra-islet GLP-1,” a form of GLP-1 produced inside the pancreas rather than the intestine. In the pancreas, insulin is produced by beta cells, while alpha cells produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. But recent research, including this study, has shown that alpha cells can also release GLP-1, which in turn helps beta cells secrete insulin. Oxytocin appears to increase this internal GLP-1 release, especially when blood sugar levels are high, thereby leading to insulin release in a natural and targeted way.

In this study researchers were also able to detect the difference between oxytocin’s effect on blood sugar and its effect on insulin. They observed that right after oxytocin was given, blood sugar levels rose in all mice—even in those that lacked oxytocin receptors. However, only the mice with working oxytocin receptors showed a later increase in insulin. This suggests that oxytocin may trigger insulin production through a separate, receptor-dependent pathway involving the hormone GLP-1.

"WT mice showed a significant increase in insulin levels at 15-min, while OxtR KO mice did not."

This indirect action—oxytocin triggering alpha cells to release GLP-1, which then acts on beta cells—may represent a novel mechanism for controlling insulin release. It also explains why oxytocin does not increase insulin in low-glucose conditions, making it a potentially safer option for regulating blood sugar.

As treatments for type 2 diabetes increasingly focus on GLP-1–based drugs, this study opens the door to using oxytocin or similar compounds to naturally enhance the body’s own insulin-producing system. With further research, this mechanism could help develop new therapies that better mimic the body’s natural glucose control, particularly beneficial for older adults with diabetes.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206244

Corresponding authors - Kenju Shimomura - shimomur@fmu.ac.jp, and Yuko Maejima - maejimay@fmu.ac.jp

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0K6uDX4z8U

To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Aging (Aging-US)

New Hormonal Pathway Links Oxytocin to Insulin Secretion in the Pancreas

BUFFALO, NY - July 16, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 9, 2025, titled “A novel anti-human CD25 mAb with preferential reactivity to activated T regulatory cells depletes them from the tumor microenvironment.”

In this study, researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, led by first author Maja Buszko and corresponding author Ethan M. Shevach, discovered a new monoclonal antibody that selectively targets a subset of immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs). These cells, while normally important for preventing autoimmunity, also can block the body’s ability to fight cancer by suppressing anti-tumor immune responses. This discovery could lead to novel cancer therapies that strengthen the immune system’s capacity to attack tumors.

The researchers identified an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody with several atypical properties and named it 2B010.  To evaluate its effects, they used humanized mice, laboratory mice that are engineered to carry human immune cells, to closely mimic how human immune systems respond to cancer. The treatment of these mouse models with 2B010 significantly decreased the number of Tregs in tumors and boosted the activity of CD8+ T cells, which are essential for killing cancer cells. Importantly, 2B010 worked without disrupting other key immune functions. Unlike traditional Anti-CD25 antibodies, it did not interfere with interleukin-2 (IL-2) signaling, which is essential for the growth and activity of effector T cells that fight cancer. 

“2B010 also had no effect on IL-2 induced STAT5 phosphorylation or CD4+ T cell proliferation in vitro while both were blocked by Clone D1 further supporting the view that 2B010 does not recognize the IL-2 binding site.”

This finding is especially significant because high levels of Tregs in tumors are associated with poor outcomes in many cancers. By specifically removing these cells, 2B010 may help overcome one of the main barriers to current immunotherapy approaches. Its ability to preserve IL-2 signaling could also make it safer and more effective when used alone or in combination with existing therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.

While the 2B010 antibody showed strong effects in reducing Tregs and boosting immune cell activity, the study did not observe changes in tumor size in these models. Researchers suggest this may be due to limitations in the preclinical systems used, such as the lack of tumor-specific T cells in humanized mice. Nevertheless, these findings demonstrate that 2B010 has a unique mechanism of action that could complement other cancer immunotherapies in future clinical trials.

In conclusion, the development of 2B010 is a promising step toward selectively disrupting the immune suppressive environment in tumors. As researchers continue to refine and test this antibody, it could become a powerful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments and improving outcomes for patients.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28752

Correspondence to - Ethan M. Shevach - eshevach@Niaid.NIH.gov

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NJcGsI7WXA

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28752

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, Treg, CD25, TME, mAb, GVHD

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/
X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Oncotarget

New Antibody Selectively Targets Immune Cells That Suppress Anti-Tumor Responses

BUFFALO, NY — July 17, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 6, on June 9, 2025, titled “Developing a quantitative estimate of muscle age acceleration by a novel phenotypic clock: cross-sectional study in healthy, middle-aged and older adults.”

In this study, led by first authors Lucia Ventura, Antonella Cano and Marco Morrone, along with corresponding author Franca Deriu from the University of Sassari, researchers introduce a new method to predict how muscles age, offering an early warning system for sarcopenia, the condition of age-related muscle loss. The study demonstrates how a simple, low-cost approach can identify middle-aged and older adults at higher risk for declining muscle health, allowing timely preventive strategies.

The researchers developed a tool called Muscle Age Acceleration (MAA), which measures how quickly an individual’s muscles are aging compared to their actual age. By analyzing physical performance tests and body composition in 215 healthy participants aged 50 to 90 years, the researchers found that about 25% of individuals experience accelerated muscle aging. These individuals had a higher probability of developing sarcopenia, despite appearing healthy and not yet having received a diagnosis of the condition.

Sarcopenia reduces muscle strength and physical performance, being a growing concern for older adults. It contributes to frailty, falls, and an increased risk of disability. Despite greater awareness, this condition often goes undetected until significant muscle loss occurs. This new muscular clock offers an opportunity to detect subtle changes in muscle health before they progress to more severe stages.

By using common tests such as handgrip strength, walking speed, and mobility assessments, the MAA tool can classify individuals as having accelerated, normal, or decelerated muscle aging. Those with accelerated muscle aging also showed small changes in blood markers, suggesting early and hidden inflammation linked to muscle decline. This finding indicates that MAA may act as both a predictor of muscle-related aging and an indicator of overall health risks.

“According to MAA, three trajectories were identified: accelerated agers displayed higher risk for sarcopenia (19%), as compared to normal (9%; p < 0.0001) and decelerated (2%; p < 0.0001), paralleled by significant subclinical alterations of haemato-chemical markers in accelerated agers.”

If validated in future studies, this innovative approach could transform how clinicians and caregivers screen for early signs of sarcopenia. Its simplicity makes it suitable for use in clinics and community settings, helping older adults maintain independence and quality of life as they age.

In summary, these findings highlight the importance of monitoring muscle health and physical performance in older adults. By detecting early signs of muscle aging with tools like MAA, interventions such as exercise and dietary changes can be introduced earlier, potentially delaying or preventing sarcopenia and its complications.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206269

Corresponding author - Franca Deriu - deriuf@uniss.it

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc9i0aJNNp0

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts

To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

New Aging Clock Predicts Early Risk of Muscle Loss in Older Adults

BUFFALO, NY - July 18, 2025 – A new #editorial was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 16, 2025, titled “microRNAs in soft tissue sarcoma: State of the art and barriers to translation.”

In this article, Elizaveta K. Titerina, Alessandro La Ferlita, and Joal D. Beane from Ohio State University discuss the role of microRNAs in soft tissue sarcomas (STS), a rare and diverse group of cancers that begin in connective tissues, like bone or fat. The authors explain how these small molecules regulate cancer-related processes and highlight their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring. They also outline the main challenges that need to be addressed before microRNA-based strategies can be used in clinical settings.

Soft tissue sarcomas include over 50 subtypes, making precise diagnosis and effective treatment difficult. The editorial describes how microRNAs influence cancer growth, spread, and response to therapies. Because microRNAs are stable in body fluids like blood and saliva, they could be used for early detection and to help guide treatment decisions. Such as, certain groups of microRNAs are linked to how patients respond to specific drugs, showing their potential as tools for precision medicine.

“For example, miR-17-92 and miR-106b-25 clusters have been associated with sensitivity or resistance to eribulin in STS.”

The authors also explain that microRNAs could help distinguish between tumor types that are often difficult to differentiate, such as benign lipomas and malignant liposarcomas. Recognizing these differences is crucial for guiding treatment decisions. Specific patterns of microRNA expression in blood samples may enable clinicians to make quicker and more reliable diagnoses without the need for invasive procedures. Beyond their diagnostic role, microRNAs are also being explored as therapeutic tools, but applying microRNA-based therapies to patients remains challenging. These molecules can act as either cancer promoters or suppressors, depending on the environment, which complicates the development of safe and targeted treatments. However, new delivery methods such as lipid nanoparticles show promise in improving precision and safety.

Overall, microRNAs are emerging as an important focus in STS research, offering new possibilities for advancing diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. As researchers continue to address the current challenges, these small molecules could become valuable tools in improving cancer care.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28754

Correspondence to - Joal D. Beane, joal.beane@osumc.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlLGA8BObPQ

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28754

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, liposarcoma, microRNA, small non-coding RNA, cancer biomarkers

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/
X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

microRNAs Emerge as Biomarkers and Diagnostic Tools in Soft Tissue Sarcoma

BUFFALO, NY — July 21, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 6, on June 27, 2025, titled “Enhancing oocyte activation in women with ovarian failure: clinical outcomes of the Stem Cell Regenera study using G-CSF mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells and intraovarian injection of stem cell factor-enriched platelet rich plasma in real-world-practice.”

This study, led by Amparo Santamaria with co-authors Ana Ballester and Manuel Muñoz from IVI Clinics Alicante, evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a regenerative treatment that may enable women with ovarian failure to regain the ability to produce viable eggs. The approach combines stem cell mobilization and enriched plasma injections into the ovaries to stimulate follicle growth. It provides an alternative for patients experiencing infertility due to poor ovarian response, diminished ovarian reserve, or premature ovarian insufficiency.

Researchers evaluated the Stem Cell Regenera treatment in 145 women, aged 26 to 44 years, who had not responded to conventional fertility therapies. The procedure involved mobilizing the body’s own stem cells using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), followed by an injection of platelet-rich plasma enriched with stem cell factors directly into the ovaries. This method was designed to activate dormant follicles and promote ovarian regeneration.

Nearly 70% of participants demonstrated oocyte activation, defined as increased follicle growth or a rise in key hormone levels. Approximately 7% achieved spontaneous pregnancies, and 14% conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) after treatment. These results indicate that the therapy stimulates ovarian activity and may increase the chances of conception in selected patients.

“The primary outcome measures were the rate of oocyte activation, leukocytes and stem cell count, and pregnancy rates.”

No severe adverse effects were reported. Most participants tolerated the treatment well, with only mild and transient symptoms such as headaches or fatigue. The use of the patient’s own cells minimized the risk of immune reactions and helped ensure the treatment was safe.

The findings provide evidence of effectiveness and safety for the Stem Cell Regenera protocol in a clinical setting. While the study was retrospective observational, the outcomes support further investigation through larger controlled trials to confirm long-term benefits and identify which patient populations may gain the greatest benefit from this approach.

This research contributes to the growing field of regenerative medicine in reproductive health, offering clinicians additional tools to address infertility in women with complex ovarian conditions.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206274

Corresponding author -Amparo Santamaria - Amparo.santamaria@ivirma.com

Author interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRFJNwnXZWI

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - 
https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206274

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts

Keywords - aging, Stem Cell Regenera, oocyte activation, ovarian regeneration, G-CSF, SCFE-PRP, ovarian failure

To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Stem Cell Treatment Shows Potential for Restoring Fertility in Women with Ovarian Failure

A new #study published recently in Volume 17, Issue 6, examines a novel treatment for women with ovarian failure. Researchers from IVI Clinics Alicante in Spain investigated a procedure called Stem Cell Regenera, which uses the body’s own stem cells and platelet-rich plasma to activate dormant follicles in the ovaries. This innovative protocol could expand options for patients with ovarian failure who have not responded to conventional fertility therapies.

Understanding Ovarian Failure

Ovarian failure affects women’s ability to conceive by reducing the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries. Conditions like Poor Ovarian Response, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency are key reasons for infertility and make it hard to use assisted reproduction methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Standard fertility treatments often fail to improve outcomes for these patients, leaving donor eggs as the primary alternative. However, recent advances in regenerative medicine have raised the possibility of restoring ovarian function using cellular therapies. Emerging research suggests that the right biological conditions could reactivate dormant follicles within the ovaries, potentially helping patients to use their eggs.

Full blog - https://aging-us.org/2025/07/stem-cell-regenera-a-regenerative-approach-to-activating-dormant-ovarian-follicles/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206274

Corresponding author -Amparo Santamaria - Amparo.santamaria@ivirma.com

Author interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRFJNwnXZWI

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - 
https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206274

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts

Keywords - aging, Stem Cell Regenera, oocyte activation, ovarian regeneration, G-CSF, SCFE-PRP, ovarian failure

To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Stem Cell Regenera: A Regenerative Approach to Activating Dormant Ovarian Follicles

BUFFALO, NY – July 22, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 21, 2025, titled “Statins exhibit anti-tumor potential by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer.”

In this work, led by first author Sneha Tripathi from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and corresponding author Sanjeev Galande from the Center of Excellence in Epigenetics at Shiv Nadar University, researchers discovered that statins, widely used to lower cholesterol, may also suppress colorectal cancer growth. This finding highlights a potential new role for these common drugs in cancer prevention and therapy.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and new strategies are urgently needed to improve treatment results. Statins, originally developed to lower cholesterol levels, have gained attention for their possible anti-cancer properties. The study investigated how statins affect the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a critical driver in colorectal cancer development and progression.

The researchers discovered that statins disrupt the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to lower levels of tumor-promoting proteins and to cancer-suppressing cellular behaviors. Experiments in both colorectal cell cultures and mouse models confirmed that statins reduced tumor growth without causing noticeable side effects. This study further revealed that statins downregulate SATB1, a protein linked to aggressive tumor behavior, while increasing SATB2, a protein with tumor-suppressing effects. These changes made the cancer cells less able to grow and spread.

“This reciprocal regulation shifts cellular phenotypes between epithelial and mesenchymal states in 3D spheroid models.”

Overall, the findings suggest that statins could be repurposed to complement existing colorectal cancer treatments or even be used in preventive strategies for high-risk individuals. By targeting the molecular machinery that drives colorectal tumor development, statins offer a promising, accessible, and well-understood option for further research in cancer therapy.

This research opens the door to larger clinical studies to explore how best to integrate statins into cancer care. If successful, this approach could provide a cost-effective strategy for reducing the global burden of colorectal cancer, which remains a significant health challenge.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28755

Correspondence to - Sanjeev Galande - sanjeev.galande@snu.edu.in

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A95ICULaH3Y

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28755

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, colorectal cancer, statins, SATB1, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, tumor-suppressive phenotype

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/
X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Show Promise Against Colorectal Cancer

BUFFALO, NY — July 23, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 6, on June 16, 2025, titled “rDNA copy number variation and methylation from birth to sexual maturity.”

In this study, led by first authors Alina Michler and Sarah Kießling along with corresponding author Thomas Haaf from Julius Maximilians University in Germany, researchers explored how ribosomal DNA (rDNA) copy number and methylation change from infancy to adolescence. They discovered that the epigenetic changes often associated with aging in adults do not occur before sexual maturity. This finding offers new insights into when the biological aging process truly begins.

Ribosomal DNA plays a critical role in producing proteins essential for cell survival. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 280 individuals, ranging from newborns to 18 years of age, including healthy individuals and those with developmental delays. They measured the number of rDNA copies and examined how genes are switched on or off through methylation, a chemical modification of DNA. The results showed that while adults experience a gradual loss of active rDNA copies and increased methylation—a hallmark of aging—these changes were absent in children and teenagers. In fact, during childhood and adolescence, the number of active, unmethylated rDNA copies slightly increased.

These findings support the long-debated idea that biological aging begins only after the body reaches reproductive maturity. Until that point, cells appear to actively maintain rDNA in a youthful state, ensuring that protein production remains efficient. This may help explain why children and teenagers are better at resisting many age-related diseases and why their cells recover more easily from stress.

The study also shows that changes in rDNA copy numbers are not associated with unexplained developmental delays. This suggests these epigenetic processes are probably not involved in early-life syndromes. The findings highlight how the body works to preserve genetic stability during childhood and raise important questions about what triggers the shift to aging-related changes after puberty.

“Collectively our data suggest that the rDNA hypomethylation state is actively maintained in somatic tissues of young individuals.”

The insights gained from this research expand the understanding of the molecular clock of aging. They suggest potential new ways to delay aging processes by exploring how youthful rDNA methylation patterns are maintained. As scientists continue to investigate these mechanisms, the study provides a clear foundation for future research aimed at extending cellular health beyond adolescence.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206271

Corresponding author - Thomas Haaf - thomas.haaf@uni-wuerzburg.de

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww21u33uUhk

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - 
https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206271

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts

Keywords - aging, absolute rDNA copy number, active rDNA copy number, deep bisulfite sequencing, developmental delay, droplet digital PCR

To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Ribosomal DNA Methylation Patterns Reveal When Aging Begins

BUFFALO, NY – July 24, 2025 – A new #casereport was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 23, 2025, titled “Extracorporeal blood filtration leading to tumor growth arrest and reduced analgesic requirements in Stage IV poorly differentiated pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A case report.”

In this report, Susanna Ulahannan from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and colleagues describe the use of extracorporeal blood filtration in a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The patient experienced clinical improvement, reduced pain, and no signs of new tumor growth over 12 months of follow-up.

Metastatic pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. In this case, a 51-year-old woman with stage IV poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma chose not to undergo standard chemotherapy. Instead, she received extracorporeal blood filtration with the Seraph® 100 device, which is designed to remove circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the bloodstream. CTCs are thought to contribute to the spread of cancer to other organs.

“Circulating tumor cells (CTC’s) are tumor cells that are shed from the primary tumor and travel via blood or lymphatic system to form micro metastases in distant organs under a suitable environment.“

The patient received between nine and twelve treatments over the course of a year. These treatments were performed both abroad, where the device is approved for this use, and under a clinical protocol in the United States. Medical imaging showed that her disease remained stable, with no new metastases detected. She also reported improvements in appetite, energy levels, and pain control. Her opioid use was reduced by 90%.

Blood samples confirmed a drop in CTC levels after treatment. This observation supports the idea that removing CTCs might help limit cancer progression in some patients. However, given that this is a single case report, larger clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.

The mechanism behind the patient’s pain relief is not fully understood. Authors suggest that it may be related to the reduction of tumor cells or inflammatory molecules in the blood. Researchers noted that pro-inflammatory cytokines, known to influence pain, could also have been affected by the filtration process.

This is the first documented case of stable disease and reduced symptoms following CTC filtration in advanced pancreatic cancer. While these findings should not be generalized, they highlight an approach outside standard protocols that should be further explored in clinical research. Future studies will be needed to determine whether this method can contribute to symptom management or disease control in other patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28756

Correspondence to - Susanna Ulahannan - susanna-ulahannan@ouhsc.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dro6iUGDrVQ

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28756

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, extracorporeal blood filtration, circulating tumor cells, metastatic pancreatic cancer, seraph 100, OncoBind

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/
X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Blood Filtration Stabilizes Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report

BUFFALO, NY — July 28, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 6, on June 13, 2025, titled “Development of a novel transcriptomic measure of aging: Transcriptomic Mortality-risk Age (TraMA).”

In this study, led by Eric T. Klopack from the University of Southern California, researchers created a new RNA-based aging measure that predicts health risks and mortality. This measure, called Transcriptomic Mortality-risk Age (TraMA), uses gene expression data to estimate a person’s biological aging. This finding offers a new and potentially more accurate way to track aging and understand health risks, especially for older adults.

Aging is a complex biological process that affects multiple systems in the body and increases the risk of disease and death. Scientists have long looked for reliable ways to measure biological aging. While DNA methylation and blood biomarkers are commonly used, this study focused on RNA—a molecule that reflects gene activity. By analyzing RNA sequencing data from nearly 4,000 U.S. adults aged 50 and older, the team developed TraMA to predict the probability of dying within four years.

TraMA proved to be a strong and independent predictor of early death, multiple chronic diseases, poor cognitive function, and difficulties with daily activities. It was also tested in another large group of long-lived families and in several smaller datasets from patients with conditions like diabetes, sepsis, and cancer. The results confirmed the tool’s usefulness across different populations and health conditions.

“TraMA was also externally validated in the Long Life Family Study and several publicly available datasets.”

Unlike earlier RNA-based aging measures, which were often built using small or non-representative samples, TraMA was developed using modern RNA sequencing technology results and a nationally representative dataset. This increases its reliability and potential for broad public health applications. The tool also demonstrated unique advantages over popular biological aging measures like GrimAge and PhenoAge, capturing distinct aspects of aging and health decline.

Importantly, TraMA tracks biological processes related to inflammation, immune function, and kidney and brain health, systems that play key roles in aging. It was also sensitive to behavioral and socioeconomic factors. For instance, smoking, obesity, and low physical activity were associated with older TraMA scores.

TraMA was also sensitive to changes in biological aging. In one study, researchers measured TraMA at two different time points and found that the more recent scores were better at predicting who would die. This suggests that TraMA can track changes in a person’s aging as their health evolves. It also performed well in both large-scale surveys and small clinical samples, making it a useful tool in many types of research.

By offering a new, accurate, and flexible method for measuring biological aging, TraMA may help researchers better understand how genes, lifestyle, and environment influence aging. This tool opens the door to more precise research on improving health and extending lifespan.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206272

Corresponding author - Eric T. Klopack - klopack@usc.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl0CApUz8cU

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts

To learn more about the journal, please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

TraMA: New RNA-Based Measure Predicts Mortality Risk and Tracks Aging

BUFFALO, NY - July 29, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 25, 2025, titled “Comprehensive genomic profiling of over 10,000 advanced solid tumors.”

In this study, led by Jean-Paul De La O from Exact Sciences Corporation, researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 solid tumor samples from patients with advanced cancer and found that more than 90 percent contained genetic changes that could guide treatment. This work demonstrates the growing impact of large-scale tumor DNA and RNA testing on patient care.

The researchers retrospectively analyzed OncoExTra assay information for 31 types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancers. Their analysis revealed that nearly a third of patients had alterations associated with approved drugs for their specific cancer, while another third had changes linked to therapies approved for other cancers. These results show that detailed genetic profiling could expand treatment choices.

“Biomarkers associated with on- or off-label FDA-approved therapies were detected in 29.2% and 28.0% of samples, respectively.”

Another relevant discovery was that many important mutations occurred at very low levels, which are often missed by simpler tests. By using a broad and highly sensitive approach, the scientists were able to identify these rare mutations. They also reported that 7.5 percent of samples carried gene fusions, unusual genetic events that can drive cancer growth. Such findings can be critical in selecting therapies that specifically target these abnormalities.

The study also highlighted the value of RNA sequencing in detecting fusion events that traditional DNA tests might miss. Prostate cancer and certain sarcomas showed particularly high rates of these fusion alterations. This type of information can refine cancer diagnosis and improve therapy planning.

In addition, the researchers identified changes in several major cancer-related pathways, including those that control cell growth, DNA repair, and immune system response. Alterations in these pathways can point to newer treatment options, such as immunotherapy or drugs designed to block specific cell signals.

Overall, this study shows that comprehensive genomic profiling can guide more personalized cancer care by identifying mutations, gene fusions, and other molecular patterns. Advanced testing methods like the OncoExTra assay reveal treatment opportunities even in advanced cancers, ensuring that subtle but important genetic changes are detected.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28757

Correspondence to - Jean-Paul De La O - jdelao@exactsciences.com

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awiRhDfiMTE

Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28757

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, solid tumors, comprehensive genomic profiling, matched therapy, gene fusions, limit of detection

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/
X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Comprehensive Genomic Testing Reveals Treatment Targets in 90% of Advanced Solid Tumors

Cancer and aging are two sides of age-related tumorigenesis.

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Read about the Aging (Aging-US) Scientific Integrity Process: https://aging-us.com/scientific-integrity

New Hormonal Pathway Links Oxytocin to Insulin Secretion in the Pancreas

Aging (Aging-US) Podcast

Related tracks