Fibroblast model for testing human cell aging and longevity
HuCAM is an advanced fibroblast aging model enabling rapid, cost-effective testing of pharmaceuticals on cellular aging processes. Validated with anti-aging compounds, it offers molecular insights and mechanical property analysis, reducing testing time by 10-fold compared to iPSC models.
Overview
The Human Cellular Aging Model (HuCAM) is an advanced platform designed for testing the effects of pharmaceuticals and compounds on human cell aging. This model addresses cellular processes such as mitophagy, autophagy, lifespan, and cellular revival from quiescence. HuCAM enables comprehensive molecular analysis through techniques like proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. It has been validated with well-known anti-aging compounds, demonstrating significant advantages in speed and cost-efficiency—results are generated within one to two months, a 10-fold reduction compared to traditional iPSC models.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Facilitates parallel testing of multiple compounds with high reproducibility.
- Provides detailed molecular insights into gene expression, protein translation, and autophagy changes.
- Allows for testing mechanical properties of aging cells using micropatterning techniques.
- Integrates drug effects with gene perturbations such as CRISPR deletions.
Applications:
- Screening pharmaceuticals for their effects on cellular aging.
- Analyzing nutrient and stress-responsive pathways like TOR and AMPK.
- Investigating gene/drug interactions with gain- and loss-of-function approaches.
- Comparing effects of new compounds with those of known skincare drugs.
Technology readiness level
The HuCAM platform is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, having been validated in a laboratory setting with several anti-aging compounds. It requires no additional technical setup, making it ready for further development and partnership opportunities.
About Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London is a comprehensive public research university within the University of London, serving a large and diverse community across campuses in East and Central London. Integration with a major NHS hospital network provides co‑located clinical and translational facilities and access to trial infrastructure and real‑world datasets. An on‑site innovation ecosystem with wet‑lab and startup space, plus proximity to the City and Tech City, connects researchers to London’s finance and digital industry clusters. Research is supported by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation councils, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and leading UK charities. A dedicated technology transfer company manages IP, licensing, consultancy, spinouts, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to streamline collaboration.
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