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Updated: Jan 27, 2026
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Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
Published on: September 29, 2016
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Signal Transduction, Ageing and Disease
Lei Zhang1, Matthew J Yousefzadeh1, Yousin Suh2
1Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism and Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|March 20, 2019
Summary
Aging involves functional decline and increased disease risk due to accumulated cellular damage. Key signaling pathways like Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) are crucial in modulating aging and related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and cellular biology
- Molecular mechanisms of aging
Background:
- Aging is characterized by reduced functional reserve, impaired tissue homeostasis, and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases.
- Cellular damage accumulation, including DNA damage, triggers signaling pathways leading to senescence, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation.
- Both cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous damage contribute to aging via modulated signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of key signaling pathways in modulating lifespan and healthspan.
- To specifically discuss the involvement of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in aging and age-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic and pharmacologic studies in model organisms and humans.
- Analysis of key signaling pathways implicated in aging, including IGF-1, NF-κB, FOXO3, mTOR, Nrf-2, and sirtuins.
Main Results:
- Several signaling pathways, including IGF-1, NF-κB, FOXO3, mTOR, Nrf-2, and sirtuins, have been identified as modulators of lifespan and healthspan.
- NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways play significant roles in the aging process and the development of age-related pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these key signaling pathways offers insights into the mechanisms of aging.
- Targeting pathways like NF-κB and Nrf2 may hold potential for interventions against age-related diseases and for promoting healthy aging.
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