Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a research paper published by a team from Rutgers University, BioViva, and Harvard University, which proposed a gene therapy using cytomegalovirus (CMV) to extend healthy lifespan in mice. The paper was later retracted due to data discrepancies identified during an internal review [5][8][12]. Research Findings - The study demonstrated that gene therapies targeting TERT and FST genes could extend the lifespan of mice by approximately 40% without increasing cancer risk [5][12]. - Mice treated with TERT gene therapy had a median lifespan of 37.5 months, while those treated with FST gene therapy had a median lifespan of 35.1 months, compared to 26.7 months for the control group [12][13]. - The therapies also improved metabolic functions, glucose tolerance, and prevented weight loss and hair loss, indicating a broader impact on health beyond lifespan extension [13]. Gene Therapy Mechanism - TERT gene therapy activates telomerase, which can extend telomeres and potentially reverse aging processes, while FST gene therapy enhances muscle mass and function [10][11]. - CMV was chosen as a delivery vector due to its ability to carry larger genetic payloads and its safety profile, as most humans are already infected with it without symptoms [11]. Retraction Reasons - The paper was retracted following the discovery of issues in the data presented in figures, including over-saturation and image duplication [15][16]. - The retraction was supported by George Church, one of the authors, who acknowledged the lack of sufficient data backup but maintained that the core findings were not fundamentally flawed [20]. Author Responses - Elizabeth Parrish expressed shock at the retraction, arguing that the image issues were non-substantial and had been previously corrected [21]. - Zhuo Hua, another co-author, indicated a lack of necessity to respond due to retirement [21]. - The first author, Dabbu Kumar Jaijyan, stated there was nothing to address regarding the retraction [22].