A role for long-lived nuclear envelope proteins in cardiac ageing

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, exacerbated by ageing populations.
• Cardiac ageing involves cellular and molecular changes leading to functional decline and increased CVD risk.
• Nuclear Pore Complexes (NPCs) and the nuclear lamina are vital for nuclear integrity and cellular homeostasis, especially in non-dividing cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the link between NPC and nuclear lamina dysfunction and cardiac ageing.
• To explore how age-related changes in these structures contribute to heart decline.
• To identify potential drivers of cardiomyocyte ageing and cardiac dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on nuclear pore complexes, nuclear lamina, and cardiac ageing.
• Analysis of evidence linking NPC and nuclear lamina alterations to cellular senescence and genomic instability.
• Examination of the role of these structures in heart diseases associated with ageing.

Main Results:

• Age-related changes in NPC composition and turnover compromise nucleocytoplasmic transport and genomic stability.
• Dysfunctional NPCs and nuclear lamina are implicated in key features of cardiac ageing, including senescence and cell death.
• Interactions between NPCs and the nuclear lamina may exacerbate age-related cardiac damage.

Conclusions:

• Aberrant NPC components and nuclear lamina integrity are associated with cardiac ageing.
• Age-related NPC alterations are suggested as potential drivers of cardiomyocyte and cardiac decline.
• Targeting NPC and nuclear lamina pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for age-related heart conditions.