Epigenetic Mechanisms of Longevity and Aging

Cell. 2016 Aug 11;166(4):822-839. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.07.050.

Abstract

Aging is an inevitable outcome of life, characterized by progressive decline in tissue and organ function and increased risk of mortality. Accumulating evidence links aging to genetic and epigenetic alterations. Given the reversible nature of epigenetic mechanisms, these pathways provide promising avenues for therapeutics against age-related decline and disease. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of epigenetic studies from invertebrate organisms, vertebrate models, tissues, and in vitro systems. We establish links between common operative aging pathways and hallmark chromatin signatures that can be used to identify "druggable" targets to counter human aging and age-related disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Longevity*

Substances

  • Histones