“Accelerated Aging:” Inspiration Beyond Equivocation
The preliminary results of a clinical trial for a disease of “premature aging” – Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) – are hopeful and inspiring. However, they cannot directly inform the development of rejuvenation biotechnologies; although the symptoms of HGPS are similar to those observed in aging, there is no evidence to suggest that the underlying mechanism is pathologically significant in those not afflicted with the disease.