Bibliometric insights into the cell cycle, aging, and metabolism: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications

Cell cycle regulation, aging, and metabolism are pivotal biological processes linked to both normal physiology and disease development. Understanding their interplay is crucial for advancing gerontological research and clinical oncology. We analyzed articles and reviews on the cell cycle, aging, and metabolism from 2004 to 2023 using the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric tools, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace, were applied to visualize collaboration networks, geographic distributions, and thematic clusters. Our analysis of 698 papers highlights a growing interest in the intersection of all three of these topics, with a notable publication surge from 2019 to 2022. The United States and China emerged as leading contributors, with significant international collaborations. Research themes evolved around molecular mechanisms, oxidative stress, and the implications for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Furthermore, keyword analysis identified five key clusters: neurodegenerative biomarkers, oxidative damage, cell cycle disruptions in cancer, epigenetic links between aging and cancer, and metabolic stress responses. Notably, metabolic shifts associated with aging influence both cellular repair mechanisms and the onset of senescence, indicating a transition from macroscopic changes to microscopic molecular alterations. This bibliometric study systematically maps the scholarly output on the cell cycle, aging, and metabolism, and our findings underscore the importance of molecular and genetic research in understanding the complex interactions and highlight their translational potential in oncology. Future research should explore personalized tumor treatment strategies based on individual cell cycle dynamics and genetic profiling.