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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Measuring Single-Cell Aging with an Imaging-based Biomarker of Chromatin and Epigenetic Aging
Published on: January 30, 2026
Chromatin structure as a mediator of aging
1Molecular Biology Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
Abstract:
The aging process is characterized by gradual changes to an organism's macromolecules, which negatively impacts biological processes. The complex macromolecular structure of chromatin regulates all nuclear processes requiring access to the DNA sequence. As such, maintenance of chromatin structure is an integral component to deter premature aging. In this review, we describe current research that links aging to chromatin structure. Histone modifications influence chromatin compaction and gene expression and undergo many changes during aging. Histone protein levels also decline during aging, dramatically affecting chromatin structure. Excitingly, lifespan can be extended by manipulations that reverse the age-dependent changes to chromatin structure, indicating the pivotal role chromatin structure plays during aging.
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