While aging is important to study because of the increase in vulnerability to degenerative diseases, studying lifespan in humans is difficult due to ethical, genetic, and confounding variables. However, C. elegans provide a powerful animal model because of its short lifespan and genetic compatibility with humans. Previous findings showed cyclic expression of the Yamanaka factors (Oct-4, Sox-2, Klf-4, and c-Myc) increases lifespan in mice. These transcription factors can initiate the full reprogramming of somatic, differentiated cells into induced pluripotent cells. The Rothman lab has previously discovered that undergoing partial cellular reprogramming with a cocktail of the Yamanaka factors can significantly increase lifespan in C. elegans by up to 60%, while ameliorating aging hallmarks and maintaining cellular identity. Further investigation is underway to identify which transcription factor, if any single factor, or a combination of 2 or more is predominantly contributing to lifespan effects. To execute this lifespan assay, transgenic animals are prepared by introducing a heat-inducible transcription factor through microinjections. The transcription factor is activated by heat shock, and they are “scored” at a defined interval to observe lifespan differences comparing aligned heat-inducible control. Single-factor partial reprogramming generates new potential to identify the cellular pathway through which lifespan is extended, one that does not require cell division in somatic cells. Additionally, these factors can be applied in regenerative medicine to enable adult tissues to repair themselves more effectively after injury.