Genetic engineering techniques could potentially provide a new approach to slow aging processes which may lead to pathology, as well as treat age-related disorders per se. Research to develop or facilitate the development of genetic engineering strategies to prevent or delay the losses of physiological function associated with aging is an expanding area. In particular, the NIA (national institute on aging) encourages experimental research which could contribute to therapies or preventive interventions based on altering the underlying aging processes that contribute to or cause age-related disorders. Identification of genetic factors controlling pathophysiologic aging processes may then contribute to development of more fundamental and definitive therapy and prevention of age- related diseases.

Gene-based intervention techniques could allow experimental manipulations previously impossible in therapeutic aging studies. These include an increased range of gene products (e.g., intracellular proteins) whose levels can be directly and specifically manipulated, direct control over the level of a gene’s expression at any point in the life span or at any phase of diurnal or other cycles, tissue-specific control of gene expression, and an expanded range and improved control of secretory products which could be directly manipulated.

Gene-based intervention techniques could also be used to: 1) develop better animal models of human aging changes; 2) introduce markers to track cells transplanted to modify aging changes, and 3) screen potential non-genetic interventions against aging processes in genetically-engineered cells in vitro.