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Published on: April 6, 2022
MicroRNAs, Aging, Cellular Senescence, and Alzheimer's Disease
P H Reddy1, J Williams2, F Smith2
1Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States.
Abstract:
Aging is a normal process of living being. It has been reported that multiple cellular changes, including oxidative damage/mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, inflammation, may accelerate the aging process, leading to cellular senescence. These cellular changes induce age-related human diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cardiovascular, cancer, and skin diseases. Changes in somatic and germ-line DNA and epigenetics are reported to play large roles in accelerating the onset of human diseases. Cellular mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases are not completely understood. However, recent discoveries in molecular biology have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential indicators of aging, cellular senescence, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of our chapter is to highlight recent advancements in miRNAs and their involvement in cellular changes in aging, cellular senescence, and AD. This chapter also critically evaluates miRNA-based therapeutic drug targets for aging and age-related diseases, particularly Alzheimer's.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key indicators in aging and cellular senescence. This review explores their role in age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and evaluates miRNA-based therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Aging involves cellular changes like oxidative damage, telomere shortening, and inflammation, leading to senescence.
- These changes contribute to age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions and cancer.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying aging and associated diseases require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding microRNAs (miRNAs) in aging and cellular senescence.
- To explore the specific involvement of miRNAs in age-related diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To critically assess miRNA-based therapeutic targets for aging and AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in miRNA research related to aging.
- Analysis of studies investigating miRNA involvement in cellular senescence and age-related diseases.
- Evaluation of current and potential miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as significant biomarkers for aging, cellular senescence, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Specific miRNAs are implicated in the cellular processes that drive aging and the pathogenesis of age-related diseases.
- miRNA dysregulation is a common feature across various age-related conditions.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the molecular pathways of aging and cellular senescence.
- miRNAs hold significant potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for age-related diseases, particularly AD.
- Targeting miRNAs offers a promising therapeutic avenue for combating aging and associated pathologies.
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