Elastic fibers during aging and disease

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Elastic fibers, composed mainly of elastin, are vital for tissue elasticity in vertebrates.
• These fibers are susceptible to cumulative damage throughout life from various environmental and intrinsic factors.
• Impaired elastic fiber function is linked to significant age-related diseases and inherited conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structural and functional fate of elastic fibers throughout the human lifespan.
• To discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying elastic fiber aging and damage.
• To provide an overview of inherited and acquired elastic fiber pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on elastic fiber structure, function, and pathology.
• Analysis of molecular and cellular processes affecting elastic fibers.
• Synthesis of information on inherited (e.g., fibrillinopathies, elastinopathies) and acquired conditions.

Main Results:

• Elastic fibers undergo degradation via enzymatic, oxidative, glycation, and mechanical damage during aging.
• These aging processes compromise tissue elasticity and resilience.
• Pathologies arise from genetic mutations affecting fiber formation or acquired factors disrupting tissue homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• Elastic fiber integrity is essential for tissue health, and its decline contributes to aging and disease.
• Understanding the aging and damage pathways of elastic fibers is crucial for addressing related pathologies.
• This review highlights the complex interplay between elastic fibers, aging, and disease development.