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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress
Laia Trigueros-Motos1, Jose M Gonzalez, Jose Rivera
1Department of Epidemiology, Atherothrombosis and Cardiovascular Imaging, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) involves progerin accumulation, causing premature aging and cardiovascular issues. Research explores HGPS mechanisms, oxidative stress, and potential treatments for this rare disease.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by accelerated aging.
- The disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of progerin, a toxic protein derived from lamin A.
- HGPS patients frequently suffer from severe vascular alterations, leading to early mortality from heart attack or stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular alterations in HGPS.
- To explore the potential role of oxidative stress in HGPS pathogenesis.
- To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies for HGPS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HGPS molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of studies on progerin accumulation and its cellular effects.
- Examination of research on oxidative stress in aging and HGPS.
- Synthesis of data on therapeutic interventions for HGPS.
Main Results:
- Progerin accumulation is central to HGPS pathology, affecting nuclear envelope stability and cellular function.
- Vascular damage, including atherosclerosis and stiffening, is a hallmark of HGPS.
- Evidence suggests a complex interplay between HGPS, normal aging processes, and oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Understanding HGPS molecular pathways offers insights into normal aging.
- Targeting progerin accumulation and oxidative stress are key therapeutic avenues.
- Further research is crucial for developing effective treatments for HGPS and related aging conditions.
Abstract:
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare human disease characterized by premature aging, is mainly caused by the abnormal accumulation of progerin, a mutant form of the mammalian nuclear envelope component lamin A. HGPS patients exhibit vascular alterations and die at an average age of 13 years, predominantly from myocardial infarction or stroke. Animal models of HGPS have been a valuable tool in the study of the pathological processes implicated in the origin of this disease and its associated cardiovascular alterations. Some of the molecular mechanisms of HGPS might be relevant to the process of normal aging, since progerin is detected in cells from normal elderly humans. Conversely, processes linked to normal aging, such as the increase in oxidative stress, might be relevant to the pathogenic mechanisms of HGPS. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular alterations associated with HGPS, the potential role of oxidative stress, and therapeutic approaches for the treatment of this devastating disease.
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