Molecular and Environmental Modulators of Aging: Interplay Between Inflammation, Epigenetics, and RNA Stability.

Area of Science:

• Genetics and molecular biology of aging.

Background:

• Aging is a complex process marked by accumulating cellular damage, leading to senescence and increased disease risk.
• Cellular senescence, a permanent cell cycle arrest, has dual roles in preventing cancer and driving tissue degeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore genetic and molecular mechanisms of aging, focusing on telomere dynamics, Klotho gene, ACE, and NF-κB pathway.
• To understand how these pathways contribute to aging and age-related diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on telomere shortening, telomerase activity, Klotho gene function, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) roles, and NF-κB pathway in aging.
• Analysis of the interplay between these molecular factors and their impact on cellular longevity and age-related pathologies.

Main Results:

• Telomere shortening contributes to replicative senescence; telomerase maintains cellular longevity.
• The Klotho gene acts as an aging suppressor with antioxidant properties.
• ACE influences blood pressure and amyloid-beta degradation, impacting longevity.
• The NF-κB pathway drives chronic inflammation ('inflammaging'), promoting age-related diseases.

Conclusions:

• Understanding telomere dynamics, Klotho, ACE, and NF-κB pathways provides insights into aging.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms, such as telomerase activation or NF-κB modulation, show potential for extending health span and lifespan.