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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
SA-β-Galactosidase-Based Screening Assay for the Identification of Senotherapeutic Drugs
Published on: June 28, 2019
Targeting aging mechanisms: pharmacological perspectives
Alexey Moskalev1, Zulfiya Guvatova2, Ines De Almeida Lopes3
1Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; Institute of Biology of the Federal Research Center of Komi Science Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 28 Kommunisticheskaya Street, Syktyvkar 167982, Russia.
Abstract:
Geroprotectors slow down aging and promote healthy longevity in model animals. Although hundreds of compounds have been shown to extend the life of laboratory model organisms, clinical studies on potential geroprotectors are exceedingly rare, especially in healthy elders. This review aims to classify potential geroprotectors based on the mechanisms by which they influence aging. These pharmacological interventions can be classified into the following groups: those that prevent oxidation; proteostasis regulators; suppressors of genomic instability; epigenetic drugs; those that preserve mitochondrial function; inhibitors of aging-associated signaling pathways; hormetins; senolytics/senostatics; anti-inflammatory drugs; antifibrotic agents; neurotrophic factors; factors preventing the impairment of barrier function; immunomodulators; and prebiotics, metabiotics, and enterosorbents.
Insights
Geroprotectors can slow aging and extend lifespan. This review classifies these compounds by their mechanisms of action, aiding research into healthy longevity interventions for humans.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Geroprotectors show promise in extending lifespan and healthspan in model organisms.
- Clinical studies on geroprotectors, particularly in healthy aging populations, are limited.
- Understanding the mechanisms of action is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify potential geroprotectors based on their underlying mechanisms of action.
- To provide a framework for understanding how different compounds influence the aging process.
- To guide future research and clinical development of geroprotective agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on geroprotective compounds.
- Classification of interventions based on their molecular and cellular targets.
- Categorization of drugs by their influence on aging hallmarks.
Main Results:
- Identified key mechanisms including oxidation prevention, proteostasis regulation, and epigenetic modulation.
- Grouped interventions such as senolytics, hormetins, and immunomodulators.
- Highlighted the diverse pharmacological strategies targeting aging pathways.
Conclusions:
- Geroprotectors can be systematically classified by their mechanisms, offering a roadmap for research.
- This classification aids in identifying and developing interventions for promoting healthy longevity.
- Further clinical investigation of these categorized compounds is warranted.
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