Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
11:00
Targeted Training of Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Aged and Parkinsonian Rats
Published on: August 8, 2011
20.2K
Drugs that target aging: how do we discover them?
A Myers1,2, G J Lithgow1
1a Buck Institute for Research on Aging , Novato , CA , USA.
Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery
|April 12, 2019
Summary
Aging research is yielding pharmacological interventions targeting cellular damage. These therapies, including rapamycin analogs and senolytics, are advancing through clinical trials to improve healthspan and lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Aging research investigates biochemical and genetic pathways of cellular damage accumulation.
- Evolutionary theories posit that traits beneficial in youth may cause aging-related damage.
- Key areas include lifespan, healthspan, and rejuvenation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review validated pharmacological interventions for aging currently in clinical trials.
- To discuss rapamycin analogs targeting the mTORC1 pathway.
- To examine senolytics that eliminate senescent cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of current aging research and clinical trial data.
- Case study analysis of rapamycin analogs and senolytics.
- Expert opinion on drug discovery for aging.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological interventions based on aging biology are progressing through clinical trials.
- Rapamycin analogs modulate the mTORC1 pathway, impacting aging.
- Senolytics demonstrate potential for targeting aging cells.
Conclusions:
- Aging research is accelerating the development of therapeutic interventions.
- Drug discovery for aging targets both fundamental biology and age-related diseases.
- Future perspectives indicate a rapid emergence of aging-related treatments.
Keywords:
Age-relatedagingdrug discoverygerosciencehealthspanlifespanlongevityrapamycinrejuvenationsenolyticsMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
266
As individuals age, their body's physiology evolves, affecting drug pharmacokinetics. The most apparent changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where an increase in gastric pH, a delay in gastric emptying, and a reduction in gastrointestinal motility are observed. Remarkably, these changes do not substantially modify the absorption of orally administered drugs, particularly those absorbed via passive diffusion.Transdermal drug delivery emerges as a highly viable method for older adults due...
266
01:26Targets for Drug Action: Overview
10.1K
Drugs target macromolecules to modify ongoing cellular processes. Primary drug targets include receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
10.1K
01:00Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
239
Drug distribution in the human body is influenced by several factors, including plasma protein concentration, body composition, blood flow, tissue-protein concentration, and tissue fluid pH. Among these, changes in plasma protein concentration and body composition due to aging significantly affect how drugs are distributed within the body. Specifically, aging is associated with a decrease in albumin levels by about 10% and an increase in α1-acid glycoprotein levels. These alterations are...
239
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
203
Geriatric patients show significant variation in how their bodies process medications, which can change how effective and safe treatments are. The liver is the primary organ where drug metabolism occurs, involving two main types of chemical reactions: phase I and II. Phase I metabolism is driven by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes key types such as CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Research indicates that while aging doesn't notably alter the levels or activity of these enzymes, it...
203
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
245
In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
245
01:26Aging
659
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
659