SENS Research Foundation Annual Report 2021 Summary

Quick Highlights

• CEO Jim O’Neill emphasized, “We are ready to unlock longevity; we just need a few more keys.”
• Focused efforts on rejuvenation biotechnologies targeting the cellular and molecular damage of ageing.
• Raised $2.33M during the 2020 End of Year Campaign, driven by contributions from major donors like the Michael Antonov Foundation.
• Enhanced educational programs, including virtual and in-person internships, despite challenges posed by the pandemic.

People

Key Leadership Updates

• CEO: Jim O’Neill.
• Chief Science Officer: Dr. Aubrey de Grey.
• VP of Research: Dr. Alexandra Stolzing.
• Director of Education: Dr. Gregory Chin.

Investments

Biotechnology Startups Supported

• Underdog Pharmaceuticals: Focused on removing toxic cholesterol derivatives to treat atherosclerosis and related diseases.
• OncoSenx: A subsidiary of Oisín Biotech, developing targeted cancer therapies.
• Oisín Biotech: Advancing senolytic therapies to clear senescent cells.
• Revel Pharmaceuticals: Targeting glucosepane crosslinks in ageing tissues.
• Covalent Bioscience: Developing catabody technologies for age-related diseases.

Innovative Fundraising

• Major donations facilitated by cryptocurrency contributions and foundation grants.
• Notable campaigns included the PulseChain Airdrop, raising substantial funds for research.

Outreach and Education

Key Partnerships and Initiatives

• Expanded the RISE (Research Integrated Science Education) program for high school students.
• Partnered with Dominican University of California for Master’s research placements.
• Hosted virtual donor appreciation events via VR platforms, engaging hundreds of attendees.

Education Programs

• Summer Scholars Program included virtual and in-person internships, with placements at leading institutions like Stanford and the Buck Institute.
• Postbaccalaureate Fellowship program supported recent graduates in cutting-edge ageing research.

2021 Research Project Summaries

ApoptoSENS: Eliminating Senescent Cells

Principal Investigator: Dr. Tesfahun Dessale.

Achievements:

• Characterized secondary senescence and identified novel senolytic targets.
• Explored endothelial cell susceptibility to SASP signaling, advancing therapeutic approaches.

LysoSENS: Lipofuscin Clearance

Principal Investigator: Dr. Tilman Grune.

Achievements:

• Isolated authentic lipofuscin samples for enzyme screening.
• Initiated bacterial enzyme studies for effective lipofuscin degradation.

MitoSENS: Mitochondrial Gene Therapy

Principal Investigator: Dr. Amutha Boominathan.

Achievements:

• Demonstrated successful expression of mitochondrial genes in cellular models.
• Advanced techniques for allotopic expression targeting mitochondrial repair.

RepleniSENS: Neuronal Replacement

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jean Hébert.

Achievements:

• Optimized protocols for delivering therapeutic microglia across the brain.
• Progressed in engineering microglia to transform into functional neurons.

AmyloSENS: Alzheimer’s Therapies

Principal Investigator: Dr. Annelise Barron.

Achievements:

• Advanced tau-targeting catabodies for aggregate destruction.
• Developed methods to combat beta-amyloid toxicity.

GlycoSENS: Extracellular Matrix Rejuvenation

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jonathan Clark.

Achievements:

• Investigated crosslink dynamics in ageing tissues, focusing on glucosepane.
• Explored novel methods for restoring tissue elasticity.

The SENS Research Foundation remains committed to advancing its mission to combat ageing by targeting the root causes of age-related diseases. Through innovative research, impactful collaborations, and robust educational initiatives, SRF is paving the way for a healthier, longer-lived future.