The center aims to establish an integrated research and development system that connects basic science with clinical research while utilizing internal resources and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop evidence-based methods for extending healthy lifespan.

Director Hideki Katagiri explained that the center seeks to overcome major challenges in aging research, particularly the lack of reliable biomarkers to measure aging. The goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, with plans to launch private medical care clinics and collaborate with companies to bring longevity innovations into society within the next few years.

The center combines the Basic Healthspan Research Division and the Clinical and Translational Healthspan Research Division, bringing together experts from multiple disciplines to strengthen collaboration between laboratory research and clinical practice. Around 40 researchers are currently connected virtually and will later be integrated into a dedicated life sciences building under construction.

One of the center’s major initiatives involves using AI to analyze large-scale data, including information from 150,000 participants in the Tohoku Medical Megabank, 810,000 clinical records from Tohoku University Hospital, and various biological samples. Researchers are also developing algorithms to estimate biological age using fundus photographs and other aging-related indicators, recognizing that overall aging and organ-specific aging differ among individuals.

Based on previous aging research, the center is also developing interventions to promote healthy longevity. Studies have shown that elevated blood glucose levels after glucose intake are linked to increased mortality from arteriosclerosis and cancer over time. Researchers aim to better understand these mechanisms while also developing exercise programs to prevent frailty and support healthy aging.

The center is further focused on translating anti-aging technologies into real-world applications. As part of the XPRIZE Healthspan competition, two research teams from Tohoku University are advancing projects that include an oral senescent cell eliminator developed by Professor Toshio Miyata and rejuvenating super-exosome technology developed by Professor Keisuke Goda.

The planned private medical care clinic will provide advanced assessments such as AI-based organ aging prediction, metabolic and muscle function evaluations, and hematopoietic stem cell aging gene analysis. It will also offer personalized exercise programs, nutritional guidance, and anti-aging interventions tailored to individual needs.

Source: https://sj.jst.go.jp/news/202605/n0520-01k.html