Two inexpensive drugs reverse aging signatures in mouse kidneys

The combination of dasatinib and quercetin reverses molecular signatures of kidney aging in naturally aged mice, according to multi-omics analyses spanning proteomics and single-cell transcriptomics. Researchers administered the oral combination for 8 months beginning at 12 months of age, observing significant reductions in senescence markers (p16, p21, SA-β-gal), restoration of klotho—a key anti-aging protein—and attenuation of renal fibrosis and inflammation. Proteomic profiling revealed that dasatinib and quercetin enhance apoptotic clearance of senescent cells and reactivate regenerative pathways, including PPARα signaling and fatty acid oxidation, while single-cell transcriptomics demonstrated reversal of transcriptional aging signatures distributed across multiple renal cell types. For longevity-focused readers, the pragmatic finding matters: both compounds are generic, low-cost, and available through pharmacies and supplement retailers, though the absence of large human clinical trials maintains their experimental status and underscores the need for medical supervision before any personal exploration.