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CGK733The molecule was discovered by a screening of a library of 20,000 synthetic molecules for their effects on aging cells, by professor Tae Kook Kim and his colleagues at the Korea's Advanced Institute of Science & Technology. In their research report, published in June edition of Nat. Chem. Biol., the team reported that the molecule can extend the lifetime of cultured cells by approximately 20 divisions, or roughly 25%. CGK733 is the first small molecule that can reverse aspects of cell senescence, a term that describes the physical and biochemical signs of a cell's deterioration toward death. Genetic techniques have been used to do similar things in the past. However, what makes the molecule unique so far, is that the antiaging properties are reversible: When the molecule is removed, cells return to normal aging. This property should leave the window open for using the molecule in dosages, which should lessen the potential side effects. These side effects may occur due to the way CGK733 works, by blocking a protein checkpoint involved in sensing and slowing down cells in response to DNA damage. The research team was able to figure the exact way the molecule works due to having a proprietary magnet-associated technology to identify molecular targets inside living cells. Even though the research team showed in their study that cells whose aging was reversed by the compound did not develop chromosomal abnormalities, the long-term effect of blocking DNA repair mechanisms must be studied further to establish safe usage guidelines and potential dosage limits for future drugs based on the molecule. CGK733 - StudiesWon, J., Kim, M., Kim, N., Ahn, J.H., Lee, W.G., Kim, S.S., Chang,K.-Y., Yi, Y.-W., and Kim, T.K. Small molecule-based reversible reprogramming of cellular lifespan. Nat. Chem. Bio. 2:369-74, 2006. The magnet-associated technology that the research team uses to identify molecular targets inside living cells was described in their study published in "Science" 2005: Won, J., Kim, M., Yi, Y.-W., Kim, Y.H., Jung, N., and Kim, T.K. A magnetic nanoprobe technology for detecting molecular interaction in live cells. Science 309:121, 2005.
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