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Epigenetic Mechanisms of Aging and Aging-Associated Diseases

Annamaria la Torre1, Filomena Lo Vecchio1, Antonio Greco2

  • 1Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy.

Cells
|May 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Aging involves molecular changes in DNA and proteins, increasing disease risk. Understanding epigenetic alterations offers potential therapeutic targets for age-related decline and diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Gerontology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Aging is a natural process involving progressive decline in tissue and organ function.
  • Molecular alterations in DNA and proteins contribute to aging and age-related diseases.
  • Environmental and genetic factors influence these molecular changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and their changes associated with aging.
  • To highlight the role of epigenetics in age-associated diseases.
  • To explore the potential of targeting epigenetic mechanisms for therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in aging.
  • Analysis of molecular changes at DNA and protein levels.
  • Examination of the link between epigenetics, aging, and disease.

Main Results:

  • Aging is characterized by molecular alterations, including epigenetic changes.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms are influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
  • These alterations are implicated in various age-related pathologies.

Conclusions:

  • Deciphering aging hallmarks, particularly epigenetic factors, can identify therapeutic targets.
  • The reversible nature of epigenetic mechanisms offers a potential approach for treating age-related decline.
  • Understanding epigenetic changes is crucial for developing therapies against aging and associated diseases.
Keywords:
agingdiseasesepigeneticshistone modificationsmethylation

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