Mini review: Gene therapy targets for aging-associated diseases

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Genetics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Aging involves complex biological mechanisms including DNA damage, telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation.
• Age-associated diseases affect multiple organ systems, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, and ophthalmological disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical and clinical findings on gene therapy strategies for age-related pathologies.
• To examine how gene therapies can target specific aging mechanisms.
• To discuss the context-dependent effects and personalized application of gene therapies for aging.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on gene therapeutic strategies.
• Examination of gene targets such as TERT, KLOTHO, SIRT, FoxO3, APOE, GDF11.
• Review of senolytic and epigenetic reprogramming approaches.

Main Results:

• Gene therapies show potential for addressing aging mechanisms like genomic instability and inflammation.
• Specific targets like telomerase reactivation and KLOTHO supplementation offer therapeutic avenues.
• Senolytics and epigenetic reprogramming are emerging strategies for rejuvenation.

Conclusions:

• Gene therapy presents a promising approach for intervening in aging and treating age-associated diseases.
• Therapeutic effects are context-dependent, requiring disease-specific applications and careful benefit-risk assessment.
• Personalized gene therapy interventions targeting aging processes are a key future direction.