카이스트, 노화 세포를 젊게 바꾸는 '회춘 기술' 찾았다

The aging process has long been considered something that cannot be held back by anyone,... but recent research could change that idea.
South Korea's research team identified a specific protein that triggers aging, and once that protein was controlled,...the skin cell went back to a younger state.
Kim Sung-min reports.
From anti-aging creams to dermatological treatments, many people spend a lot of time and money,... trying to regain their youth.
But, this task might become a bit easier,... thanks to a new technology developed by researchers in South Korea.
Through computer simulation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has recently confirmed a specific interaction between cells and proteins that causes cells to age.
And the study identified a certain type of protein called PDK1,...which plays a major role inside the cells when skin ages.
"We conducted a computer simulation by creating a network model from a huge amount of data. This could reduce the time and cost."
The research team injected artificial skin with a chemical that restrains the activity of this protein.
And surprisingly, it initiated cell division and thickened the dermal layer,...making skin more youthful.
"If cell division and collagen synthesis begin again, it means that skin can go back to the state it was when people were younger."
One of South Korea's cosmetic companies is even referring to this study in the development of their anti-aging skin care products.
What is more exciting is that this development could possibly provide clues about how to delay the aging process in general.
The study also found that this technology to make skin younger doesn't have any harmful side effects.
Kim Sung-min, Arirang News