A set of studies, including two papers released May 4 in Science Express, show the newest, most promising potential fountain of youth, reports Science Now.  Researchers have been working with a growth factor in mice to demonstrate its anti-aging effect on certain tissue.  This growth factor is a protein found in mice blood that is naturally produced, declines with age, and reverses aging in multiple tissues.

The protein, growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), has been the subject of several papers from the research team at Harvard University.  GDF11 was already known to regulate stem cell activity and is most abundant in young mice.  Last year, a study in Cell showed that GDF11 can reduce the thickening of the heart muscle that happens with age in mice, demonstrating anti-aging properties on heart tissue.

The most recent studies show anti-aging properties on other types of tissue.  One paper shows that older mice were able to recover from a muscle injury and have a boost in performance on tests for running and grip strength.  The other paper shows that GDF11 helps grow new blood vessels and certain types of neurons in the brain.  Together, these studies show that GDF11 has promise for anti-aging properties in a variety of tissues.

While some are quick to jump to the conclusion that this will help people live longer, none of the studies have shown that treated mice have a longer life than untreated mice.  However, they may be able to have a better quality of life with stronger muscles and tissues.

This is not the first mouse model to show anti-aging potential.  The Telegraph reported last year that scientists were able to reverse the aging process in a mouse model.   The research group helped restore effective communication by cellular DNA, resulting in the body tissue of the mice showing a lower age.  The two-year-old mouse had the body tissue of a six-month-old.  In humans, such a change would be the equivalent of a 60-year-old having the body tissue of a 20-year-old.