Dr. Greg Fahy has made a significant contribution to the field of epigenetics. Let’s tackle its relevance to longevity, aging, and human cells.
In this article:
- What Is Epigenetics?
- Who Is Dr. Greg Fahy?
- Most Notable Work in Epigenetics and Cryopreservation
- Epigenetics and Aging
Epigenetics and Aging as Explained by Dr. Greg Fahy
What Is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to the study of heritable changes in gene expression. This is limited to the observation of active and inactive gene activities that do not involve DNA or nucleotide sequence changes.
In layman’s terms, epigenetics tackles how some genes switch “on and off” at specific times and locations. These are affected primarily affected by age, lifestyle, hereditary traits, and underlying diseases, among others.
Understanding epigenetic mechanisms is important because they heavily affect the human lifespan. In fact, the growth and development of the human body rely on gene expression alterations.
Epigenetic mechanisms also explain how various cells with the same DNA sequence can turn into different cell types.
Who Is Dr. Greg Fahy?
Dr. Greg Fahy is a renowned scientist who has spent the last three decades researching organ cryopreservation by vitrification.
What is cryopreservation by vitrification? An improved version of preservation or treatment in cryogenic or extremely low temperatures
He introduced a modern, more effective approach to vitrification for cryopreservation to the world of cryobiology.
Dr. Fahy also proved the possibility of restoring organ function even after cryopreservation. This furthered the chances of human life extension through advanced, scientific methods.
Most Notable Work in Epigenetics and Cryopreservation
Dr. Fahy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of California and a Ph. D. from the Medical College of Georgia.
Today, he is the vice president and Chief Scientific Officer at 21st Century Medicine, one of the country’s leading biomedical research facilities, and is on the editorial boards of the Open Geriatric Medicine Journal and Rejuvenation Research.
But even before his stay at the 21st Century Medicine, he has already made an impact on the field of epigenetics and cryopreservation.
He spearheaded the American Aging Association for 16 years and worked as an editor for the AGE news, their organization’s publication and newsletter, for 6 years.
Dr. Fahy also served as the head of the Naval Medical Research Institute’s Tissue Cryopreservation Section of the Transfusion and Cryopreservation Research Program. This is where he came up with the concept of vitrification enhancement through synthetic ice blocking agents.
After his time at the Naval Medical Research Institute, he served as the Chief Scientific Officer at a biotech company called Intervene Immune. They specialize in research on improving the immune system and thymus function.
He is also known for pioneering the practical use of cryopreservation by vitrification.
In fact, Dr. Fahy created a software program that incorporates this newfound technology to organ storage. This helped the American Red Cross organization extend the lifespan and usability of donated organs such as human kidneys, pancreas, heart, and lungs, among others.
Epigenetics and Aging
Just like other human cells, epigenomes or records of adaptive changes in the DNA deteriorate over time because of lifestyle habits, diet, and aging. As they get destroyed, your immune system starts to weaken, cells die, and overall appearance changes.
There’s no anti-aging drug that can ever successfully reverse aging completely. But, you may be able to improve your health and increase longevity through the regulation of epigenetic mechanisms.
Overall, understanding epigenetic mechanisms is vital to unlocking the secret behind longevity. If we can completely regulate the genes that switch “on and off,” we might be able to keep diseases such as type-2 diabetes or even cancer at bay.
Of course, years’ worth of scientific human trials would first need to be conducted before we can actually understand the role of epigenetics in the development of these diseases and the aging process. Luckily, scientific researchers such as Dr. Greg Fahy continue to explore the field in an attempt to change the way humans undergo the biological aging process.
Are you familiar with the work of Dr. Greg Fahy? Share with us the most valuable information you’ve gathered from his research!
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