Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
10:34
Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells
Published on: April 14, 2010
16.0K
Gene expression hallmarks of cellular ageing.
Stephen Frenk1, Jonathan Houseley2
1Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3280, USA.
Biogerontology
|March 2, 2018
Summary
Cellular ageing involves conserved gene expression changes across species, including mitochondrial and protein synthesis gene downregulation. These six hallmarks offer insights into ageing mechanisms and potential biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Cellular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Aging is characterized by physiological decline across tissues, driven by conserved cellular processes.
- Hallmarks of aging provide a framework for understanding age-related pathology.
- Gene expression changes are fundamental to cellular function and aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify conserved gene expression hallmarks of cellular aging across eukaryotes.
- To correlate transcriptomic changes with known aging phenotypes and epigenetic alterations.
- To explore the utility of gene expression patterns as biomarkers for aging rate.
Main Methods:
- Systematic survey of age-linked gene expression changes in diverse eukaryotic organisms.
- Analysis of basal transcriptomic data from yeast to humans.
- Comparison of identified gene expression hallmarks with established aging hallmarks and epigenetic data.
Main Results:
- Six conserved gene expression hallmarks of cellular aging were identified.
- Key changes include downregulation of mitochondrial and protein synthesis genes, immune gene dysregulation, reduced growth factor signaling, constitutive stress responses, and altered mRNA processing.
- A surprising lack of gene expression response to known cellular stresses was observed.
Conclusions:
- Conserved transcriptomic hallmarks provide insights into fundamental aging mechanisms.
- These hallmarks correlate with epigenetic changes and impact proteomic and physiological variations.
- Identified gene expression patterns can serve as biomarkers for aging and the effects of interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:42What is Gene Expression?
197.1K
Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
197.1K
01:36What is Gene Expression?
11.6K
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then...
11.6K
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
16.6K
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.6K
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
5.6K
5.6K
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
24.9K
Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area.
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
24.9K
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
6.7K
The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
6.7K