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Aging and aging-associated diseases: a microRNA-based endocrine regulation hypothesis
1DiamiR Biosciences, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852, USA.
Aging
|October 31, 2018
Summary
Aging involves cell-autonomous processes and central programming. A microRNA-based endocrine regulation hypothesis integrates these, proposing pituitary gland-secreted miRNA hormones regulate cell death, explaining aging and disease patterns.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aging theories include cell-autonomous processes (DNA mutations, telomere shortening) and central developmental programs.
- Existing hypotheses do not fully explain complex aging-related phenomena like sex-specific disease risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a unified hypothesis for aging and associated diseases.
- To integrate cell-autonomous aging mechanisms with central regulatory processes.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a novel hypothesis based on existing literature and observed phenomena.
- It focuses on the role of microRNA (miRNA) hormones secreted by the hypothalamus-pituitary gland (PG).
Main Results:
- The microRNA-based endocrine regulation hypothesis links aging to PG-secreted miRNA hormones regulated by sex hormones.
- This model explains inverse comorbidity of cancer and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- It accounts for sex differences in AD and cancer incidence, Down syndrome-related risks, and lifespan variations.
Conclusions:
- The proposed hypothesis offers a unifying framework for understanding aging and related diseases.
- It highlights the crucial role of the endocrine system, specifically miRNA hormones, in regulating aging processes.
- Further research into miRNA-based endocrine regulation could reveal new therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.
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