Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, CSO of the Healthy Longevity Clinic and professor at the University of Copenhagen, presented research on DNA repair mechanisms and their critical role in ageing. His work aims to uncover how improving DNA repair processes could slow or reverse ageing, offering insights into the development of treatments for age-related diseases.

Key Points:

• DNA Repair and Ageing: Morten Scheibye-Knudsen emphasized the critical role of DNA repair in ageing, focusing on how his lab at the University of Copenhagen studies the relationship between DNA damage and ageing-related diseases, such as cancer and dementia.
• Phenotypic Changes with Age: He discussed visible signs of ageing like graying hair, wrinkles, and pigmentation changes, explaining their mechanistic links to more severe conditions like cancer and dementia.
• Premature Ageing Diseases: Scheibye-Knudsen detailed the study of diseases like dyskeratosis congenita, which present with accelerated ageing symptoms, to better understand normal ageing. His lab identified a new disease called Wakar syndrome, which shares many characteristics with premature ageing conditions.
• R Loop Formation and DNA Damage: His research uncovered the role of RNA-DNA hybrids, or R Loops, in ageing. Misregulation of these structures contributes to DNA damage, and his team identified key proteins involved in their formation and resolution.
• Senescence and Lifespan Research: The talk included findings on cellular senescence, explaining how cells become "aged" and stop dividing. Scheibye-Knudsen's research explores ways to reduce senescence and improve cellular health, extending lifespan in animal models.
• Metabolic Interventions: His team also experimented with metabolic interventions, such as ketones, to alleviate the effects of premature ageing in various models, finding some success in reducing inflammation and improving DNA repair.