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Updated: Nov 22, 2025

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
Epigenetics of Aging and Aging-Associated Diseases
Dominik Saul1,2, Robyn Laura Kosinsky3
1Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Aging involves epigenetic deregulation, affecting cellular processes and contributing to age-related diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. This review explores these epigenetic changes across species and their impact on human health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aging is a complex process involving physiological decline.
- Epigenetic deregulation is recognized as a key hallmark of aging.
- Altered epigenetic events are observed across various species during aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epigenetic mechanisms underlying aging processes.
- To describe how epigenetic deregulation contributes to aging-related diseases.
- To provide insights into the role of epigenetics in species-spanning aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic changes during aging.
- Analysis of epigenetic alterations in different species.
- Correlation of epigenetic deregulation with human pathologies.
Main Results:
- Accumulation of histone variants and changes in chromatin accessibility are linked to aging.
- Loss of histones, heterochromatin, and aberrant histone modifications are observed.
- Deregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression/activity contributes to aging.
- Epigenetic changes affect cellular processes, leading to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic deregulation is a fundamental aspect of aging.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing age-related diseases.
- Epigenetic insights offer potential therapeutic targets for aging and associated pathologies.
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