Improvements in Healthspan in C. elegans through Cellular Reprogramming

Aging increases susceptibility to chronic disease, motivating the search for interventions that extend healthspan. Yamanaka Factor (YF) induction showed lifespan extending effects in mice and C. elegans. However, living eternally is undesirable without conjunctional improvements in quality of life. My project tests whether cyclic YF activation not only enhances lifespan, but worm healthspan. Establishing conserved benefits across species would strengthen the potential of YF therapies in humans. I will assess thermotolerance, mobility, and oxidative stress at key life stages of the worm to determine whether YF activation produces meaningful physiological improvements that align extended lifespan with improved health.