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Alternative splicing in aging and longevity
Malini Bhadra1, Porsha Howell1, Sneha Dutta1
1Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Human Genetics
|December 14, 2019
Summary
RNA splicing, a key regulator of gene expression, is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of aging. Dysfunctional splicing contributes to aging, while interventions targeting splicing factors may extend lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alternative pre-mRNA splicing enhances proteomic diversity from genomic sequences.
- Splicing dysregulation is linked to numerous diseases.
- Recent evidence connects splicing to aging and longevity interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review RNA splicing as a hallmark of aging.
- To explore splicing's role in aging phenotypes and longevity.
- To discuss splicing profiles as biomarkers of biological age.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on RNA splicing and aging.
- Analysis of dysfunctional alternative splicing events across species.
- Investigation of nutrient signaling pathways' impact on splicing factors.
Main Results:
- Dysfunctional alternative splicing contributes to aging phenotypes.
- Specific splicing factors are required for pro-longevity interventions.
- Nutrient signaling pathways regulate splicing factor activity.
- Splicing profiles show potential as predictors of biological age.
Conclusions:
- RNA splicing is a critical factor in the aging process.
- Understanding splicing alterations in aging may lead to therapeutics for extending healthy lifespan.
- Splicing modulation presents a novel target for anti-aging strategies.
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