Cellular and molecular determinants of ageing

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Molecular Biology
• Genetics and Epigenetics of Aging

Background:

• Aging is a complex process influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors.
• Progressive failure in cellular maintenance underlies aging and age-related diseases.
• Genomic instability, in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, is a key aging determinant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted nature of aging, encompassing genetic and epigenetic influences.
• To investigate the failure of homeostasis and its link to age-related diseases.
• To identify promising research strategies for discovering gerontogenes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to aging.
• Examination of genomic instability in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.
• Investigation of cellular processes like information transfer, proliferation, responsiveness, and signal transduction.

Main Results:

• Aging is characterized by a progressive failure of maintenance and homeostasis.
• Genomic instability is a significant factor in the aging process.
• Dysregulation in cellular functions contributes to age-related diseases.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the interplay of genes in maintenance and repair networks is crucial for aging research.
• Identifying gerontogenes through studying these networks offers promising therapeutic avenues.
• Targeting mechanisms of aging can help mitigate age-related diseases and impairments.