Cambridge biotech identifies single-gene target for cellular rejuvenation that doesn’t trigger cancer

A Cambridge-based biotech firm has identified a novel single-gene target that may rejuvenate cells without triggering cancer, potentially enabling safer anti-ageing therapies.

The discovery, known as SB000, is claimed to reverse signs of cellular ageing across multiple cell types—without activating the harmful biological pathways associated with other methods.

Shift Bioscience, which is developing therapies for age-driven diseases by uncovering the biology of cell rejuvenation, says SB000 is well placed as a target for the next generation of safer cellular rejuvenation treatments, with broad potential applications across age-related conditions.

Most current approaches to reversing cellular ageing centre on the Yamanaka Factors (OSKM)—a group of four genes that can reprogram cells to a more youthful state. However, they also induce pluripotency, allowing cells to develop into any tissue type, which can lead to tumour formation and limit their clinical use.

In this study, SB000 demonstrated signs of cellular rejuvenation at both the methylome and transcriptome levels across a range of cell types, without evidence of inducing pluripotency. The methylome refers to DNA modifications that regulate gene activity without changing the DNA sequence, while the transcriptome encompasses all RNA molecules expressed in a cell. Both serve as key indicators of cellular age and function.

Shift Bioscience reported that SB000 achieved methylome rejuvenation comparable to that seen with OSKM, but without the associated risks—offering a potentially safer alternative.

Dr Daniel Ives, CEO of Shift Bioscience, described the discovery as a “major milestone” for the company and the wider cell rejuvenation field.

“The discovery of SB000 marks a major milestone, both for Shift and for the cell rejuvenation field more broadly, and demonstrates the power of our unique, data-driven approach to target identification,” he said.

“Offering comparable efficacy to the Yamanaka Factors without the safety concerns associated with pluripotency, SB000 is well positioned as a target for next-generation, safer cellular rejuvenation therapeutics—helping us bring about a future where we have substantial control over the ageing process and age-related diseases.”

Shift Bioscience will now move SB000 into proof-of-concept studies, including testing across a broader range of disease-relevant cell types and in vivo rejuvenation studies—evaluating its effect in living organisms rather than isolated cells.

“This is expected to be the first in a series of publications as we uncover the previously hidden biology of cellular ageing and rejuvenation,” Ives added.