Reversal of Protein Chemical Aging by Enzymatic Deglycation: A Promising Early Study

A recent study led by Aaron Cravens at Revel Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Calico Life Sciences and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, reports an enzyme that can remove a common age-related protein modification called Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML). The research was conducted entirely on donated human tissues and purified proteins in the laboratory—not in animals or human patients.

The engineered enzyme, CMLase, was developed through directed evolution to specifically break down CML, an advanced glycation end-product (AGE) that accumulates with age and contributes to tissue aging.

In laboratory experiments, CML levels were reduced by more than 55% in donor skin, over 70% in aortic tissue from a 75-year-old donor, and 45–78% in lens tissue. Tests on purified proteins also showed substantial reductions, with some exceeding 90%.

These findings suggest that some forms of age-related protein damage, once considered irreversible, may be reversible under laboratory conditions. However, the reported reductions came from different tissues and different donors, so they should not be interpreted as evidence of overall age reversal.

Researchers also note several important limitations. The enzyme has not been shown to improve tissue function, reverse aging in living organisms, or target other major AGEs such as glucosepane. In addition, because CMLase is derived from bacteria, its safety and potential immune reactions in humans remain unknown.

While the study represents an important scientific advance, it is best viewed as an early proof of concept rather than a treatment for aging. Further research, including animal studies and clinical trials, will be necessary to determine whether this approach can be translated into safe and effective therapies for age-related diseases.

Source: https://spacedaily.com/n-researchers-tested-an-engineered-enzyme-on-donated-skin-tissue-and-brought-its-chemical-aging-markers-down-to-levels-typically-seen-in-31-year-old-skin-a-separate-test-on-a-75-year-old-donors-arteri/