Mitochondrial epigenetics in aging and cardiovascular diseases.
Alessia Mongelli1, Alessandro Mengozzi1, Martin Geiger1
1Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, Zurich University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|July 31, 2023
Summary
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) epigenetic changes, like methylation, impact cellular energy and function during aging. Understanding these mitoepigenetic modifications offers potential for personalized therapies against age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology and epigenetics
Background:
- Mitochondria generate cellular energy (ATP) and regulate vital processes like apoptosis and metabolism.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and aging.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of epigenetic changes in modulating mitochondrial function during aging.
- To highlight the significance of the mitochondrial epigenetic landscape in age-related disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on mitochondrial epigenetics and aging.
- Analysis of the impact of mtDNA methylation and non-coding RNAs on mitochondrial function.
- Examination of mitoepigenetic modifications in the context of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications, particularly mtDNA methylation, are crucial regulators of mitochondrial function during aging.
- Mitoepigenetic alterations are implicated in the development of CVDs through mechanisms like oxidative stress and altered energy metabolism.
- Dysfunctional mitochondria, if not cleared, contribute to cellular dysfunction and comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are key players in age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Targeting the mitochondrial epigenetic landscape may lead to novel personalized therapies for preventing and treating age-related diseases.
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