FGF21 Gene Therapy Improves Health in Aged Mice
Increased FGF21 expression is essential to the life extension produced by the practice of calorie restriction. It is a part of the regulatory system governing the beneficial reaction to low levels of protein intake, an evolved response that helps to increase the odds of individuals surviving long winters and other periods of famine. Here, researchers report on the use of an FGF21 AAV gene therapy in mice to produce the sweeping improvements in health that are characteristic of most calorie restriction mimetic strategies.
The decline of organ function during aging limits healthspan. Despite the potential of lifestyle interventions to improve health, sustained maintenance of healthspan is challenging, and no gerotherapeutic drugs have been approved. Here, we demonstrated that aged and geriatric male and female mice treated with muscle-directed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) gene therapy extended healthspan and lifespan with sustained organ benefits. This treatment normalized body weight and adiposity, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, preserved hepatic detoxification capacity, counteracted age-related kidney disease, promoted cardiac health and muscular function, and enhanced cognition.
Transcriptomic and histopathological analyses indicated improved whole-body energy homeostasis and cellular fitness, which were mediated by tissue-specific adaptations, including enhanced mitochondrial function, restored proteostasis, and reversion of inflammation, fibrosis, and amyloidosis. AAV-FGF21 treatment also activated AMPK signaling. These results highlight FGF21 gene therapy as a potential strategy to promote healthspan and delay age-related deterioration.