Longevity gene delivery system 

Safe and efficient gene delivery system based on a non-viral vector and silicon nanoparticles for gene therapy of aging. With the help of this system we could deliver a combination of several genes each of which extended lifespan of mice by up to 40%. 

Many people are surprised by the fact that most of the known centenarians, did not exercise, smoked, drank alcohol, lacked sleep and did not care about their health at all, while their peers, carefully monitored their health, lived significantly less (Churchill phenomenon).

Studies have shown that such long-livers had a much higher activity of certain genes: FOXO, KLOTHO, SIRT, FGF, AMPK, etc.

Higher activity of these genes protects against senile dementia, sarcopenia (age-related muscle wasting), various oncological diseases, atherosclerosis, kidney failure, diabetes and other age-related diseases that eventually lead to death. Moreover, animals with artificially activated "longevity genes" lived 30-40% longer than their wild-type counterparts. The role of these genes in aging has been proven by a plethora of studies, but activation of these longevity genes is far from the routine clinical practice.

But what about those who are not naturally gifted with such active longevity genes? The solution is obvious: inject additional copies of these genes to the body for the constant production of “youth hormones”.

Methods of gene delivery into a cell (vector delivery) is already widely tested: almost all COVID-19 vaccines, such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc., are based on this technology, and have proven its effectiveness and safety literally on billions of patients worldwide.

These vaccines carry the genes for specific COVID-19 virus proteins that trigger the body's immune response.

The problem is that existing viral vectors aren’t safe because they can integrate in the genome and cause potentially carcinogenic mutations. In addition, viral vectors are costly and difficult to manufacture. mRNA vectors are much safer but they are extremely unstable and short-lived. 

We, the Radical Life Extension Group (RLE Group), started developing our own vector three years ago and are working to deliver the genes needed for health and longevity. We decided to create a non-viral vector that is safer, easier and cheaper to produce and this is a crucial step towards a universal platform for longevity genes delivery. 

We are testing a genetic vector, carrying famous longevity gene Klotho, and its new cell delivery system based on silicon nanoparticles, the surface of which was laser-treated to increase their penetration efficiency. We are now testing it on cell cultures, and by early 2025 plan to proceed to preclinical trials on model animals - rats and guinea pigs. Around the summer of 2025, we plan to make two vectors for pets - cats and dogs, and by the end of 2025 - a version for humans and become the first testers of this technology ourselves. 

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