Novel strategies for anti-aging drug discovery
Komal Saraswat1, Syed Ibrahim Rizvi1
1a Department of Biochemistry , University of Allahabad , Allahabad , India.
Introduction:
Scientific achievements in the last few decades, leading to effective therapeutic interventions, have dramatically improved human life expectancy. Consequently, aging has become a significant problem and represents the major risk factor for most human pathologies including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Scientific discoveries over the past two decades have been instrumental in dissecting molecular mechanism(s) which play important roles in determining longevity. The same understanding has also led to the acknowledgement of the plurality of 'causes' which act either alone or in combination to create the condition which can be defined as 'aging'. Areas covered: Over the years, several concepts have been put forward for the development of a viable anti-aging regimen. In this review, the authors extensively review anti aging interventions based on caloric restriction, activation of telomerase, autophagy inducers, senolytic therapeutics, plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) activators, epigenetic modulators, and stem cell therapies. Expert opinion: Based upon our current understanding, one of the most promising approaches for a successful anti-aging strategy includes the activation of adenosine monophosphate dependent protein kinase (AMPK). Another strategy may involve activation of PMRS. Future research efforts are likely to focus on nutrient and energy sensing molecular pathways which include mTOR, IGF-1, AMPK and the sirtuins.
Insights
Aging is a major risk factor for diseases, but scientific advances offer potential anti-aging interventions. This review explores strategies like caloric restriction and stem cell therapies for longevity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Molecular Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Longevity Research
Background:
- Increased life expectancy due to medical advances has made aging a primary risk factor for major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular/neurological disorders.
- Recent scientific discoveries have elucidated molecular mechanisms underlying aging and longevity, revealing multiple contributing factors.
- Aging is now recognized as a complex condition influenced by a combination of factors, necessitating comprehensive anti-aging strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an extensive review of current and emerging anti-aging interventions.
- To critically evaluate various approaches for developing effective anti-aging regimens.
- To identify promising molecular pathways and targets for future anti-aging research.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of anti-aging strategies.
- Analysis of interventions including caloric restriction, telomerase activation, autophagy inducers, senolytics, plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) activators, epigenetic modulators, and stem cell therapies.
- Expert opinion on the most promising future directions in aging research.
Main Results:
- Multiple anti-aging interventions are under investigation, targeting diverse molecular pathways.
- Caloric restriction, telomerase activation, autophagy induction, senolytics, PMRS activators, epigenetic modulation, and stem cell therapies show potential.
- Activation of adenosine monophosphate dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and PMRS are identified as particularly promising strategies.
Conclusions:
- Future anti-aging strategies are likely to focus on nutrient and energy sensing pathways such as mTOR, IGF-1, AMPK, and sirtuins.
- Targeting molecular mechanisms of aging offers a promising avenue for improving healthspan and longevity.
- Continued research into these pathways is crucial for developing effective interventions against age-related diseases.
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