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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
Published on: May 1, 2017
Epigenetic Regulation of Regulated Cell Death in Aging-Related Diseases: Clinical Perspectives
Le Liu1,2, Chen Li1,2, Youshuo Liu1,2
1Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
The intricate crosstalk between epigenetic modification and regulated cell death (RCD) constitutes a pivotal yet underexplored axis in aging and its associated diseases. This Perspective conceptualizes age-related epigenetic reprogramming as a master switch that recalibrates the execution thresholds of diverse RCD pathways-including pyroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death-across multiple organ systems. We systematically decode how this epigenetic-RCD axis drives the pathophysiology of major aging-related conditions, such as diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, by synthesizing evidence of how DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNAs, and RNA methylation intricately govern RCD networks. Building upon this mechanistic framework, the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis is critically examined, highlighting both emerging opportunities and translational challenges for future intervention strategies. Our analysis provides a novel paradigm for understanding aging mechanisms and proposes a roadmap for developing next-generation therapeutics.
Insights
Epigenetic reprogramming alters regulated cell death (RCD) pathways, driving aging and related diseases. Targeting this epigenetic-RCD axis offers new therapeutic strategies for age-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Aging is linked to complex molecular changes, including epigenetic modifications and altered regulated cell death (RCD).
- The interplay between epigenetics and RCD in aging is not fully understood.
- RCD pathways like pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis are implicated in age-related diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conceptualize age-related epigenetic reprogramming as a key regulator of RCD pathways.
- To explore the role of the epigenetic-RCD axis in the pathophysiology of major aging-related diseases.
- To examine therapeutic strategies targeting the epigenetic-RCD axis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and synthesis of existing evidence on epigenetic modifications and RCD.
- Analysis of how DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs influence RCD networks.
- Conceptual framework development linking epigenetics, RCD, and aging.
Main Results:
- Age-related epigenetic reprogramming acts as a master switch for RCD pathways.
- The epigenetic-RCD axis drives the pathology of diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
- Specific epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA methylation) intricately control RCD.
Conclusions:
- The epigenetic-RCD axis provides a novel paradigm for understanding aging.
- Targeting this axis presents therapeutic opportunities for age-related diseases.
- Further research is needed to address translational challenges for intervention strategies.
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