A physicochemical perspective on cellular ageing.

Area of Science:

• Molecular biology
• Biophysics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Cellular aging is a complex, multifactorial process with diverse outcomes.
• Physicochemical homeostasis is crucial for macromolecular function.
• Aberrant phase transitions are increasingly recognized as potential drivers of aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the physicochemical homeostasis hypothesis of aging.
• To summarize evidence linking intracellular environment to aging molecular mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings.
• Analysis of the role of pH, crowding, and redox state in molecular function.

Main Results:

• The intracellular milieu's physicochemical parameters significantly impact biomolecular condensate function.
• Evidence supports the link between declining homeostasis and aberrant phase transitions in aging.

Conclusions:

• Restoring physicochemical homeostasis may be a therapeutic target for aging.
• The intracellular environment is a key determinant of cellular aging trajectories.