Epigenetics and aging

Reduced DNMT1 expression associated with TP53 promoter hypomethylation mediate enhanced granulosa cell senescence during ovarian aging

BACKGROUND

The effects of granulose cell (GC) senescence on premature ovarian insufficiency/premature ovarian failure have been extensively examined, the association between GC senescence and ovarian aging remains to be clarified.

METHODS

Human and mouse GCs from young/control and old/advanced maternal age (AMA) groups were collected, and GC senescence was determined. The role of the DNMT1-p53 axis in GC senescence during ovarian aging was examined and validated in a KGN cell senescence model.

RESULTS

SA-beta-gal-positive GCs were significantly increased in the AMA group, accompanied by activation of the p53-p21 pathway, which was also found in GCs from aged mice and H2O2-induced senescent KGN cells. Pyrosequencing methylation analysis revealed that increased expression of p53 was associated with decreased average methylation levels of CpG sites (-1031, -1019, -1012 and -1008) within the P53 promoter CpG island in senescenct GCs and KGN cells. We further found that decreased DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression was responsible for the reduced methylation levels of the CpG sites.

CONCLUSION

Decreased DNMT1 with hypomethylation of the CpG sites within the P53 promoter CpG island in GCs is involved in ovarian aging.

Biomarkers of aging: from molecules and surrogates to physiology and function

Many countries face an unprecedented challenge in aging demographics. This has led to an exponential growth in research on aging, which, coupled to a massive financial influx of funding in the private and public sectors, has resulted in seminal insights into the underpinnings of this biological process. However, critical validation in humans has been hampered by the limited translatability of results obtained in model organisms, additionally confined by the need for extremely time-consuming clinical studies in the ostensible absence of robust biomarkers that would allow monitoring in shorter time frames. In the future, molecular parameters might hold great promise in this regard. In contrast, biomarkers centered on function, resilience, and frailty are available at the present time, with proven predictive value for morbidity and mortality. In this review, the current knowledge of molecular and physiological aspects of human aging, potential antiaging strategies, and the basis, evidence, and potential application of physiological biomarkers in human aging are discussed.

Histone Deacetylation in Alzheimer's Diseases (AD); Hope or Hype

Histone acetylation is the process by which histone acetyltransferases (HATs) add an acetyl group to the N-terminal lysine residues of histones, resulting in a more open chromatin structure. Histone acetylation tends to increase gene expression more than methylation does. In the central nervous system (CNS), histone acetylation is essential for controlling the expression of genes linked to cognition and learning. Histone deacetylases (HDACs), "writing" enzymes (HATs), and "reading" enzymes with bromodomains that identify and localize to acetylated lysine residues are responsible for maintaining histone acetylation. By giving animals HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), it is possible to intentionally control the ratios of "writer" and "eraser" activity, which will change the acetylation of histones. In addition to making the chromatin more accessible, these histone acetylation alterations re-allocate the targeting of "readers," including the transcriptional co-activators, cAMP response element-binding protein (CBP), and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) in the CNS. Conclusive evidence has shown that HDACs slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by reducing the amount of histone acetylation, decreasing the activity of genes linked to memory, supporting cognitive decline and Amyloid beta (Aβ) protein accumulation, influencing aberrant tau phosphorylation, and promoting the emergence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). In this review, we have covered the therapeutic targets and functions of HDACs that might be useful in treating AD.

Development of a microRNA-Based age estimation model using whole-blood microRNA expression profiling

Age estimation is a critical aspect of human identification. Traditional methods, reliant on morphological examinations, are often suitable for living subjects. However, there are relatively few studies on age estimation based on biological samples, such as blood. Recent advancements have concentrated on DNA methylation for forensic age prediction. However, to explore further possibilities, this study investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) as alternative molecular markers for age estimation. Peripheral blood samples from 127 healthy individuals were analyzed for miRNA expression using small RNA sequencing. Lasso regression selected 103 candidate miRNAs, and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis identified 38 key miRNAs significant for age prediction. Five machine learning models were developed, with the elastic net model achieving the best performance (MAE of 4.08 years) on the testing set, surpassing current miRNA age estimation results. Additionally, we observed significant changes in the expression levels of miRNAs in healthy individuals aged 48-52 years. This study demonstrated the potential of blood miRNA biomarkers in age prediction and provides a set of miRNA markers for developing more accurate age prediction methods.

Role of stem cells in ageing and age-related diseases

Stem cell functions and ageing are deeply interconnected, continually influencing each other in multiple ways. Stem cells play a vital role in organ maintenance, regeneration, and homeostasis, all of which decline over time due to gradual reduction in their self-renewal, differentiation, and growth factor secretion potential. The functional decline is attributed to damaging extrinsic environmental factors and progressively worsening intrinsic genetic and biochemical processes. These ageing-associated deteriorative changes have been extensively documented, paving the way for the discovery of novel biomarkers of ageing for detection, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related diseases. Age-dependent changes in adult stem cells include numerical decline, loss of heterogeneity, and reduced self-renewal and differentiation, leading to a drastic reduction in regenerative potential and thereby driving the ageing process. Conversely, ageing also adversely alters the stem cell niche, disrupting the molecular pathways underlying stem cell homing, self-renewal, differentiation, and growth factor secretion, all of which are critical for tissue repair and regeneration. A holistic understanding of these molecular mechanisms, through empirical research and clinical trials, is essential for designing targeted therapies to modulate ageing and improve health parameters in older individuals.

The Epigenetic Landscape: From Molecular Mechanisms to Biological Aging

Epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, plays a pivotal role in cellular function, development, and aging. This review explores key epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation (DNAm), histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, RNA-based regulation, and long-distance chromosomal interactions. These modifications contribute to cellular differentiation and function, mediating the dynamic interplay between the genome and environmental factors. Epigenetic clocks, biomarkers based on DNAm patterns, have emerged as powerful tools to measure biological age and predict health span. This article highlights the evolution of epigenetic clocks, from first-generation models such as Horvath's multi-tissue clock to advanced second- and third-generation clocks such as DNAGrimAge and DunedinPACE, which incorporate biological parameters and clinical biomarkers for precise age estimation. Moreover, the role of epigenetics in aging and age-related diseases is discussed, emphasizing its impact on genomic stability, transcriptional regulation, and cellular senescence. Epigenetic dysregulation is implicated in cancer, genetic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, making it a promising target for therapeutic interventions. The reversibility of epigenetic modifications offers hope for mitigating age acceleration and enhancing health span through lifestyle changes and pharmacological approaches.

Metformin and Dietary Restriction Counteract Aging via Reducing m6A-Dependent Stabilization of Methionine Synthase mRNA in Brachionus asplanchnoidis (Rotifera)

Metformin, a medication primarily used to treat diabetes, has gained attentions for its potential antiaging properties. Although the metabolic and cellular pathways behind its longevity effects have been widely studied, few studies have explored the epigenetic regulatory effects of metformin, which are a crucial factor in aging processes. In this study, we examined the antiaging effects of metformin using the Brachionus rotifer as a model, focusing on the regulation of mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a key RNA modification involved in mRNA stability, translation, and splicing. We found metformin significantly extended the rotifers' lifespan, mimicking the effects of dietary restriction (DR), a well-established antiaging intervention. Both metformin and DR modulate m6A dynamics, with a notable reduction in the m6A modification of MTR (5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase). This reduction led to decreased MTR expression and lowered levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a critical metabolite in the one-carbon cycle. We propose that the downregulation of MTR through m6A modification limits methionine synthesis and imposes methionine restriction, a key factor in promoting longevity. Our findings reveal a novel epitranscriptional regulatory model by which metformin and DR modulate m6A to extend lifespan, highlighting MTR as a central regulator of aging and suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging through m6A and methionine metabolism.

Meta-epigenetic shifts in T cell aging and aging-related dysfunction

Epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, play a pivotal role in shaping T cell functionality throughout life. With aging, these epigenetic changes profoundly affect gene expression, altering T cell plasticity, activation, and differentiation. These modifications contribute significantly to immunosenescence, increasing susceptibility to infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. In CD8⁺ T cells, chromatin closure at key regulatory regions suppresses activation and migration, while chromatin opening in pro-inflammatory gene loci amplifies inflammation. These changes drive terminal differentiation, characterized by increased expression of senescence-associated markers, impaired migration and loss of epigenetic plasticity. CD4⁺ T cells experience fewer but critical epigenetic alterations, including disrupted pathways, a skewed Th1/Th2 balance, and reduced Treg functionality. These epigenetic changes, compounded by metabolic dysfunctions, such as mitochondrial deficiency and oxidative stress, impair T-cell adaptability and resilience in the aging organism. Therefore, understanding the interplay between epigenetic and metabolic factors in T cell aging offers promising therapeutic opportunities to mitigate immunosenescence and enhance immune function in aging populations. This review explores the interplay between DNA methylation, histone alterations, and metabolic changes underlying T cell aging.

The Central Role of Pin1 in Age-Related Cancer Signaling Pathways

The prolyl-isomerase Pin1 is a unique enzyme that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs. These motifs are present in many proteins, where isomerization of the typically rigid prolyl-peptide bond can lead to conformational changes, and subsequently regulate activity, stability, or localization. The specificity of Pin1 for phosphorylated motifs allows it to serve as a master regulator of proteins after phosphorylation, adding an additional layer of regulation to intricately control cellular signaling. As such, Pin1 plays an expansive role in numerous cancer and age-related signaling pathways, and is recognized as a major driver of cancer and promising therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss the role of Pin1 in regulation of age-related cancer signaling pathways, and we highlight the early development and current landscape of Pin1 inhibitors, and the prospect of Pin1 inhibition for cancer therapy.

Always on the Move: Overview on Chromatin Dynamics within Nuclear Processes

Our genome is organized into chromatin, a dynamic and modular structure made of nucleosomes. Chromatin organization controls access to the DNA sequence, playing a fundamental role in cell identity and function. How nucleosomes enable these processes is an active area of study. In this review, we provide an overview of chromatin dynamics, its properties, mechanisms, and functions. We highlight the diverse ways by which chromatin dynamics is controlled during transcription, DNA replication, and repair. Recent technological developments have promoted discoveries in this area, to which we provide an outlook on future research directions.

Retrotransposon Protein L1 ORF1p Expression in Aging Central Nervous System

The long-interspersed elements (LINE-1; L1) represent the main active family of retrotransposons in the human organism, comprising approximately 17% of its content. L1 sequence codifies for the two proteins involved in its retrotransposition: ORF1p, an RNA binding protein, and ORF2p, endowed with endonuclease and reverse transcriptase activity. The vast majority of L1 copies are inactive, with only a small percentage retaining their retrotransposition capacity, posing a threat to the organism due to its mutagenic potential. To mitigate such risks, mammals have evolved intricate regulatory mechanisms, including heterochromatin formation and RNA degradation pathways. Age-related diminution in these regulatory pathways may be particularly important within the Central Nervous System (CNS), where cellular regeneration is limited, and genomic integrity is critical for lifelong function. Here, we describe an age-associated upregulation of ORF1p in the mouse brain, indicating a potential role of L1 activity in aging. We further demonstrate the presence of ORF1p across diverse CNS cell types, including neurons, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Notably, we observe a correlation between ORF1p presence and microglial activation, a hallmark of neuroinflammation, during aging. This study advances our understanding of L1 dynamics in the CNS and underscores the significance of L1 in age-related neurological changes.

Beyond genes and environment: mapping biological stochasticity in aging

Aging is characterized by extensive variability in the onset of morbidity and mortality, even in genetically identical populations with carefully controlled environments. This points to the important role stochasticity plays in shaping the divergent aging process between individual organisms. Here, we survey how stochastic factors at the level of molecules, cells, tissues, and organisms manifest in and impact the aging process, with a focus on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Findings of stochasticity in C. elegans give additional insights for aspects of aging in the more complex settings of mammals with parallels drawn between organisms when appropriate. The emerging understanding of the stochastic contributors to longevity will enhance research strategies and medical interventions for personalized medicine.

Maximum lifespan and brain size in mammals are associated with gene family size expansion related to immune system functions

Mammals exhibit an unusual variation in their maximum lifespan potential, measured as the longest recorded longevity of any individual in a species. Evidence suggests that lifespan increases follow expansion in brain size relative to body mass. Here, we found significant gene family size expansions associated with maximum lifespan potential and relative brain size but not in gestation time, age of sexual maturity, and body mass in 46 mammalian species. Extended lifespan is associated with expanding gene families enriched in immune system functions. Our results suggest an association between gene duplication in immune-related gene families and the evolution of longer lifespans in mammals. These findings explore the genomic features linked with the evolution of lifespan in mammals and its association with life story and morphological traits.

The interplay of cellular senescence and reprogramming shapes the biological landscape of aging and cancer revealing novel therapeutic avenues

Cellular senescence and cellular reprogramming represent two fundamentally intertwined processes that profoundly influence aging and cancer. This paper explores how the permanent cell-cycle arrest of senescent cells and the identity-resetting capacity of reprogramming jointly shape biological outcomes in later life and tumor development. We synthesize recent findings to show that senescent cells, while halting the proliferation of damaged cells, can paradoxically promote tissue dysfunction and malignancy via their secretory phenotype. Conversely, induced reprogramming of somatic cells-exemplified by Yamanaka factors-resets cellular age and epigenetic marks, offering a potential to rejuvenate aged cells. Key findings highlight shared mechanisms (e.g., DNA damage responses and epigenetic remodeling) and bidirectional crosstalk between these processes: senescence signals can facilitate neighboring cell plasticity, whereas reprogramming attempts can trigger intrinsic senescence programs as a barrier. In aging tissues, transient (partial) reprogramming has been shown to erase senescence markers and restore cell function without inducing tumorigenesis, underlining a novel strategy to combat age-related degeneration. In cancer, we discuss how therapy-induced senescence of tumor cells may induce stem-cell-like traits in some cells and drive relapse, revealing a delicate balance between tumor suppression and tumor promotion. Understanding the interplay between senescence and reprogramming is crucial for developing innovative therapies. By targeting the senescence-reprogramming axis-for instance, via senolytic drugs, SASP inhibitors, or safe reprogramming techniques-there is significant therapeutic potential to ameliorate aging-related diseases and improve cancer treatment. Our findings underscore that carefully modulating cellular senescence and rejuvenation processes could pave the way for novel regenerative and anti-cancer strategies.

Inhibiting the Histone Demethylase Kdm4a Restrains Cardiac Fibrosis After Myocardial Infarction by Promoting Autophagy in Premature Senescent Fibroblasts

Premature senescent fibroblasts (PSFs) play an important role in regulating the fibrotic process after myocardial infarction (MI), but their effect on cardiac fibrosis remains unknown. Here, the investigation is aimed to determine whether PSFs contribute to cardiac fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms involved. It is observed that premature senescence of fibroblasts is strongly activated in the injured myocardium at 7 days after MI and identified that Kdm4a is located in PSFs by the analysis of scRNA-seq data and immunostaining staining. Moreover, fibroblast specific gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that Kdm4a promoted the premature senescence of fibroblasts and cardiac interstitial fibrosis, contributing to cardiac remodeling in the advanced stage after MI, without influencing early cardiac rupture. ChIP-seq and ChIP-PCR revealed that Kdm4a deficiency promoted autophagy in PSFs by reducing Trim44 expression through increased levels of the H3K9me3 modification in the Trim44 promoter region. Furthermore, a coculture system revealed that Kdm4a overexpression increased the accumulation of PSFs and the secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, subsequently inducing cardiac fibrosis, which could be reversed by Trim44 interference. Kdm4a induces the premature senescence of fibroblasts through Trim44-mediated autophagy and then facilitates interstitial fibrosis after MI, ultimately resulting in cardiac remodeling, but not affecting ventricular rupture.

Association of blood cadmium levels with epigenetic age acceleration in U.S. adults aged > 50 years

Objectives

DNA methylation (DNAm) is a sensitive biomarker of aging-related processes, and novel epigenetic-based "clocks" can estimate accelerated biological aging. Cadmium (Cd) can alter cellular processes that promote aging and disrupt global methylation patterns. However, few studies have investigated the association between blood Cd and accelerated aging. We aimed to investigate the association between blood Cd and four DNAm-based epigenetic age accelerations in individuals over 50 in the United States, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

DNAm-epigenetic biomarkers and blood Cd data from the NHANES database (1999-2002) were retrieved for this study. We evaluated four epigenetic ages: HorvathAge, HannumAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge. Age acceleration was calculated by extracting the residuals from the regression of chronological age on each epigenetic age measure. We used weighted linear regression models and subgroup analyses to investigate the associations between blood Cd levels and these age accelerations, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results

Higher blood Cd levels (≥0.5 μg/dl) were significantly associated with increased age acceleration for PhenoAge (β = 1.37, P = 0.017) and GrimAge (β = 1.31, P = 0.003) in adjusted models. A significant association was also observed for HannumAge (β = 0.94, P = 0.016), although this association was not significant for continuous Cd levels (P = 0.111). No significant associations were found for HorvathAge. Subgroup analyses indicated consistent associations across demographic and lifestyle subgroups, with no significant interactions.

Conclusions

In this study, after adjusting for confounders, blood Cd levels were positively associated with PhenoAge acceleration and GrimAge acceleration in people over 50 in the United States. These results may be useful in proposing interventions in environmental exposures to slow the aging process and prevent age-related diseases.

Histone modifications as molecular drivers of cardiac aging: Metabolic alterations, epigenetic mechanisms, and emerging therapeutic strategies

Cardiac aging represents a complex pathophysiological process characterized by progressive metabolic recombination and functional dedifferentiation of cardiac cellular components. Despite advancements in cardiovascular medicine, a critical research gap persists in understanding the precise epigenetic mechanisms that drive age-related cardiac dysfunction. This comprehensive review elucidates the pivotal role of histone modifications-including methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation-in orchestrating the molecular landscape of cardiac aging. Significant gaps remain in our understanding of site-specific histone modification impacts on cardiac function, the intricate crosstalk between different histone marks, and their integration with metabolic alterations that characterize the aging myocardium. Current evidence reveals a dynamic epigenetic signature in aged cardiac tissue, typically featuring increased transcriptional activation markers alongside decreased repressive marks, though context-dependent variations exist. This review explores how histone modifications influence critical pathways governing mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage repair, inflammation, and fibrosis in aging hearts. Innovative therapeutic approaches targeting specific histone-modifying enzymes promise to mitigate age-related cardiac deterioration, potentially revolutionizing treatment paradigms for cardiovascular diseases in aging populations. Addressing these knowledge gaps requires multidimensional approaches that integrate epigenomics with functional assessment of cardiac performance.

A Sex-Specific Minimal CpG-Based Model for Biological Aging Using ELOVL2 Methylation Analysis

Significant deviations between chronological and biological age can signal the early risk of chronic diseases, driving the need for tools that accurately determine biological age. While DNA methylation-based clocks have demonstrated strong predictive power for biological aging determination, their clinical application is limited by several barriers including high costs, the need to analyze hundreds of methylation sites using sophisticated platforms and the lack of standardized measurement tools and protocols. In this study, we developed a multivariate linear model using the analysis of eight CpGs within the promoter region of the very long chain fatty acid elongase 2 gene (ELOVL2). The model generated predicts biological age with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 5.04, providing a simplified, cost-effective alternative to more complex methylation-based clocks. Additionally, we identified sex-specific biological clocks, achieving MAEs of 4.37 for males and 5.38 for females, highlighting sex-related molecular differences in the methylation of this gene during aging. Our minimal CpG-based clock offers a practical solution for estimating biological age, with potential applications in clinical practice for assessing age-related disease risks and providing personalized healthcare interventions.

Reactivation of retrotransposable elements is associated with environmental stress and ageing

Retrotransposable elements (RTEs) are interspersed repetitive sequences that represent a large portion of eukaryotic genomes. Ancestral expansions of RTEs directly contributed to the shaping of these genomes and to the evolution of different species, particularly mammals. RTE activity is tightly regulated by different epigenetic mechanisms but this control becomes compromised as cells age and RTEs are reactivated. This dysregulation of RTEs leads to perturbation of cell function and organ and organismal homeostasis, which drives ageing and age-related disease. Environmental stress is associated with both ageing-related characteristics and the epigenetic mechanisms that control RTE activity, with accumulating evidence indicating that RTE reactivation mediates the effects of environmental stressors on ageing onset and progression. A better understanding of how RTEs are reactivated and their subsequent biological roles may help the development of therapies against ageing-related phenotypes and diseases.

Exploring epigenetic modifications as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most common motor neuron disease. Whole-genome sequencing has identified many novel ALS-associated genes, but genetics alone cannot fully explain the onset of ALS and an effective treatment is still lacking. Moreover, we need more biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and assessment of disease prognosis. Epigenetics, which includes DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, influences gene transcription and expression by affecting chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding without altering genetic information. These processes play a role in the onset and progression of ALS. Epigenetic targets can serve as potential biomarkers and more importantly, the reversibility of epigenetic changes supports their potential role as versatile therapeutic targets in ALS. This review summarized the alterations in different epigenetic modulations in ALS. Additionally, given the close association between aberrant metabolic profiles characterized by hypoxia and high glycolytic metabolism in ALS and epigenetic changes, we also integrate epigenetics with metabolomics. Finally, we discuss the application of therapies based on epigenetic mechanisms in ALS. Our data integration helps to identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and support the development of new effective therapies.

Enhancing the Diagnostic Yield of EGD for Diagnosis of Barrett Esophagus Through Methylated DNA Biomarker Triage

BACKGROUND

EsoGuard (EG) is a methylated DNA assay for cells collected nonendoscopically with EsoCheck for detection of Barrett esophagus (BE) and can be utilized as a triage to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients meeting clinical criteria for BE screening. EG triage may enrich the population undergoing EGD, increasing BE diagnosis without overburdening endoscopy resources.

AIM

To test the hypothesis that EGDs performed on patients who test positive on EG have higher diagnostic yields than screening EGDs alone.

METHODS

We collected real-world retrospective data from EG-positive patients for whom EGD diagnoses were available. The diagnostic yield of these EGDs was measured by the BE detection rate. The yield of screening EGDs was estimated by literature-established disease prevalence (10.6%). The hypothesis was tested using t-test for single proportions at a one-sided 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Among 209 patients, 60 (28.7%) had specialized intestinal metaplasia but 10 (4.8%) had less than 1 cm of nondysplastic disease. Because the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) definition of BE requires disease length of at least 1 cm, these patients were excluded from analysis. In the analyzed population, we observed a 2.4-fold increase in BE detection compared with the 10.6% performance goal. There was a 2.7-fold increase in the cohort meeting ACG screening criteria and a 2.5-fold increase among those meeting ACG criteria who were aged 65 years and older.

CONCLUSION

EG triage enriches the population undergoing EGD for BE detection. Compared with screening EGD alone, it improves diagnostic yield. This may help direct more efficient use of endoscopy resources to improve disease detection in at-risk patients.

Linker Histones Maintain Genome Stability and Drive the Process of Cellular Ageing

Ageing comprises a cascade of processes that are inherent in all living creatures. There are fourteen general hallmarks of cellular ageing, the majority of which occur at a molecular level. A significant disturbance in the regulation of genome activity is commonly observed during cellular ageing. Overall confusion and disruption in the proper functioning of the genome are also well-known prerogatives of cancerous cells, and it is believed that this genomic instability provides a direct link between aging and cancer. The spatial organization of nuclear DNA in chromatin is the foundation of the fine-tuning and refined regulation of gene activity, and it changes during ageing. Therefore, chromatin is the platform on which genes and the environment meet and interplay. Different protein factors, small molecules and metabolites affect this chromatin organization and, through it, drive cellular deterioration and, finally, ageing. Hence, studying chromatin structural organization and dynamics is crucial for understanding life, presumably the ageing process. The complex interplay among DNA and histone proteins folds, organizes, and adapts chromatin structure. Among histone proteins, the role of the family of linker histones comes to light. Recent data point out that linker histones play a unique role in higher-order chromatin organization, which, in turn, impacts ageing to a prominent degree. Here, we discuss emerging evidence that suggests linker histones have functions that extend beyond their traditional roles in chromatin architecture, highlighting their critical involvement in genome stability, cellular ageing, and cancer development, thereby establishing them as promising targets for therapeutic interventions.

Characteristic analysis of adverse reactions of histone deacetylase inhibitors based on WHO-VigiAccess

Background

This study assessed the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with HDAC inhibitors using the VigiAccess database maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, it compared the ADR profiles of three different drugs to identify the one with the lowest individualized risk for patients.

Materials and methods

Data on adverse events of HDAC Inhibitors was retrieved from WHO-VigiAccess on 6 January 2025. We obtained data on age, gender, reporting year, and continent. Descriptive data related were calculated using Excel 2021. In this study, we used Excel software to analyze the characteristics of those who were harmed due to adverse reactions. For each drug, the reporting rate of adverse reactions was calculated by dividing the number of adverse reaction symptoms of this drug by the total number of adverse reaction reports. We listed the top 20 most frequent adverse reaction symptoms as common adverse reactions. By counting the frequency and proportion of these common adverse reactions, we conducted a comparative analysis of the adverse reaction situations of different drugs and classified them according to different types.

Result

The WHO-VigiAccess database received 796, 1254, and 1658 ADR reports for Chidamide, Romidepsin, and Vorinostat respectively by 2024, with a total of 3,708. Gender distribution was relatively balanced (male:female ratio 0.81:1), and the 45-64 age group had the highest reporting rates, mostly from the Americas. Chidamide had higher rates in certain disorders, Romidepsin in others, and Vorinostat in specific ones. Common ADRs included thrombocytopenia etc., with some differences in rates among drugs. Serious ADR proportions were 0% for Chidamide, 2.27% for Romidepsin, and 1.02% for Vorinostat. 37 common signals were found, with Investigations having the most. Each drug had different ADR preferred terms (PTs) in renal/urinary and metabolism/nutrition disorders, with varying numbers of distinctive symptoms.

Conclusion

Current comparative observational studies of these inhibitors indicate that there are both common and specific adverse reactions reported in the ADR data received by the WHO for these medications. Clinicians should enhance the rational use of these drugs by considering the characteristics of the reported ADRs.

Functions and application of circRNAs in vascular aging and aging-related vascular diseases

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), constituting a novel class of endogenous non-coding RNAs generated through the reverse splicing of mRNA precursors, possess the capacity to regulate gene transcription and translation. Recently, the pivotal role of circRNAs in controlling vascular aging, as well as the pathogenesis and progression of aging-related vascular diseases, has garnered substantial attention. Vascular aging plays a crucial role in the increased morbidity and mortality of the elderly. Endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are crucial components of the intima and media layers of the vascular wall, respectively, and are closely involved in the mechanisms underlying vascular aging and aging-related vascular diseases. The review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the connection between circRNAs and vascular aging, as well as aging-related vascular diseases. Besides, circRNAs, as potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for vascular aging and aging-related vascular diseases, will be discussed thoroughly, along with the challenges and limitations of their clinical application. Investigating the role and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in vascular aging and aging-related vascular diseases will provide a novel insight into early diagnosis and therapy, and even effective prognosis assessment of these conditions.

Biological age prediction using a DNN model based on pathways of steroidogenesis

Aging involves the progressive accumulation of cellular damage, leading to systemic decline and age-related diseases. Despite advances in medicine, accurately predicting biological age (BA) remains challenging due to the complexity of aging processes and the limitations of current models. This study introduces a method for predicting BA using a deep neural network (DNN) based on pathways of steroidogenesis. We analyzed 22 steroids from 148 serum samples of individuals aged 20 to 73, using 98 samples for model training and 50 for validation. Our model reflects the often-overlooked fact that aging heterogeneity expands over time and uncovers sex-specific variations in steroidogenesis. This study leveraged key markers, including cortisol (COL), which underscore the role of stress-related and sex-specific steroids in aging. The resulting model establishes a biologically meaningful and robust framework for predicting BA across diverse datasets, offering fresh insights and supporting more targeted strategies in aging research and disease management.

Metaboloepigenetics: Role in the Regulation of Flow-Mediated Endothelial (Dys)Function and Atherosclerosis

Endothelial dysfunction is the main initiating factor in atherosclerosis. Through mechanotransduction, shear stress regulates endothelial cell function in both homeostatic and diseased states. Accumulating evidence reveals that epigenetic changes play critical roles in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. The metabolic regulation of epigenetics has emerged as an important factor in the control of gene expression in diseased states, but to the best of our knowledge, this connection remains largely unexplored in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. In this review, we (1) summarize how shear stress (or flow) regulates endothelial (dys)function; (2) explore the epigenetic alterations that occur in the endothelium in response to disturbed flow; (3) review endothelial cell metabolism under different shear stress conditions; and (4) suggest mechanisms which may link this altered metabolism to the regulation of the endothelial epigenome by modulations in metabolite availability. We believe that metabolic regulation plays an important role in endothelial epigenetic reprogramming and could pave the way for novel metabolism-based therapeutic strategies.

Deficiency of ATF2 retards senescence induced by replication stress and pamidronate in mouse jaw bone marrow stem cells

The aging process is associated with a loss of bone mass and an accumulation of senescent cells, which is under epigenetic control. Morphological and molecular analysis revealed a notable reduction in bone mass and alveolar crest height in aged mice, accompanied by increased levels of senescent mouse jaw bone marrow stem cells (mJBMSCs). To investigate whether specific transcription factors are involved, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) was performed on mJBMSCs isolated from 2-, 4-, 8-, and 20-month-old mice. In 20-month-old mJBMSCs, increased chromatin accessibility was observed alongside elevated expression of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) in both cells and alveolar bone. Silencing Atf2 in mJBMSCs failed to reverse physiological aging, but delayed replication stress and pamidronate (PAM) induced senescence. The analysis of ATAC-seq and RNA sequencing indicated that the differentially expressed genes upregulated by PAM but downregulated by ATF2 deficiency were related to some key biological processes, including negative regulation of cell proliferation, inflammatory response, adipogenesis, and cellular senescence. The dual-luciferase assay was conducted to demonstrate that ATF2 enhances Cdkn2a transcription by binding to its promoter region. Our findings suggest significant chromatin alterations in aged mJBMSCs, positioning ATF2 as a potential target for combating externally induced senescence.

Loss of epe1 + extends chronological lifespan in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Aging is a complex phenomenon that is characterized by the altered regulation of various biological processes over time. One of these, epigenetics, play a crucial role throughout the different stages of eukaryotic life and its alteration is considered a key molecular hallmark of aging. However, the epigenetic factors which are important for lifespan control remain elusive. Here, we used S. pombe as a model organism to study the epigenetic basis of aging. Our study reveals that loss of the epe1 + gene, encoding for the JmjC domain protein Epe1 , extends chronological lifespan and increases H3K9me3 in aged S. pombe cells .

Coffee as a Source of Antioxidants and an Elixir of Youth

Coffee is more than a universally loved beverage; it is a complex matrix of bioactive compounds that contribute to its multifaceted health benefits. From its role as a potent source of antioxidants to its potential anti-aging effects, coffee has proven to be a valuable component of a balanced diet. This paper highlights the extensive scientific evidence supporting coffee's ability to combat oxidative stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve metabolic and cardiovascular health. Additionally, its role in modulating key cellular pathways underscores its potential to positively influence aging and longevity. This manuscript emphasizes coffee's broader cultural, economic, and historical significance, illustrating its enduring relevance in contemporary society. Despite minor discrepancies in research findings, the preponderance of evidence underscores coffee's potential as a functional food with profound implications for healthspan and aging. While promising, translating findings to humans requires further clinical research.

Harnessing the fundamental roles of vitamins: the potent anti-oxidants in longevity

Aging is a complex and heterogeneous biological process characterized by telomere attrition, genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruption in nutrient sensing. Besides contributing to the progression of cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, these manifestations of aging also adversely affect organ function. It is crucial to understand these mechanisms and identify interventions to modulate them to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related diseases. Vitamins have emerged as potential modulators of aging beyond their traditional roles in health maintenance. There is an increasing body of evidence that hormetic effects of vitamins are responsible for activating cellular stress responses, repair mechanisms, and homeostatic processes when mild stress is induced by certain vitamins. It is evident from this dual role that vitamins play a significant role in preventing frailty, promoting resilience, and mitigating age-related cellular damage. Moreover, addressing vitamin deficiencies in the elderly could have a significant impact on slowing aging and extending life expectancy. A review of recent advances in the role of vitamins in delaying aging processes and promoting multiorgan health is presented in this article. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive framework for using vitamins as strategic tools for fostering longevity and vitality. It offers a fresh perspective on vitamins' role in aging research by bridging biological mechanisms and clinical opportunities.

Age-associated metabolic and epigenetic barriers during direct reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in developed countries, and novel regenerative procedures are warranted. Direct cardiac conversion (DCC) of adult fibroblasts can create induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) for gene and cell-based heart therapy, and in addition to holding great promise, still lacks effectiveness as metabolic and age-associated barriers remain elusive. Here, by employing MGT (Mef2c, Gata4, Tbx5) transduction of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and adult (dermal and cardiac) fibroblasts from animals of different ages, we provide evidence that the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into iCMs decreases with age. Analyses of histone posttranslational modifications and ChIP-qPCR revealed age-dependent alterations in the epigenetic landscape of DCC. Moreover, DCC is accompanied by profound mitochondrial metabolic adaptations, including a lower abundance of anabolic metabolites, network remodeling, and reliance on mitochondrial respiration. In vitro metabolic modulation and dietary manipulation in vivo improve DCC efficiency and are accompanied by significant alterations in histone marks and mitochondrial homeostasis. Importantly, adult-derived iCMs exhibit increased accumulation of oxidative stress in the mitochondria and activation of mitophagy or dietary lipids; they improve DCC and revert mitochondrial oxidative damage. Our study provides evidence that metaboloepigenetics plays a direct role in cell fate transitions driving DCC, highlighting the potential use of metabolic modulation to improve cardiac regenerative strategies.

Multiscale footprints reveal the organization of cis-regulatory elements

Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) control gene expression and are dynamic in their structure and function, reflecting changes in the composition of diverse effector proteins over time1. However, methods for measuring the organization of effector proteins at CREs across the genome are limited, hampering efforts to connect CRE structure to their function in cell fate and disease. Here we developed PRINT, a computational method that identifies footprints of DNA-protein interactions from bulk and single-cell chromatin accessibility data across multiple scales of protein size. Using these multiscale footprints, we created the seq2PRINT framework, which uses deep learning to allow precise inference of transcription factor and nucleosome binding and interprets regulatory logic at CREs. Applying seq2PRINT to single-cell chromatin accessibility data from human bone marrow, we observe sequential establishment and widening of CREs centred on pioneer factors across haematopoiesis. We further discover age-associated alterations in the structure of CREs in murine haematopoietic stem cells, including widespread reduction of nucleosome footprints and gain of de novo identified Ets composite motifs. Collectively, we establish a method for obtaining rich insights into DNA-binding protein dynamics from chromatin accessibility data, and reveal the architecture of regulatory elements across differentiation and ageing.

Stay social, stay young: a bioanthropological outlook on the processes linking sociality and ageing

In modern human societies, social interactions and pro-social behaviours are associated with better individual and collective health, reduced mortality, and increased longevity. Conversely, social isolation is a predictor of shorter lifespan. The biological processes through which sociality affects the ageing process, as well as healthspan and lifespan, are still poorly understood. Unveiling the physiological, neurological, genomic, epigenomic, and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the association between sociality and longevity may open new perspectives to understand how lifespan is determined in a broader socio/evolutionary outlook. Here we summarize evidence showing how social dynamics can shape the evolution of life history traits through physiological and genetic processes directly or indirectly related to ageing and lifespan. We start by reviewing theories of ageing that incorporate social interactions into their model. Then, we address the link between sociality and lifespan from two separate points of view: (i) considering evidences from comparative evolutionary biology and bioanthropology that demonstrates how sociality contributes to natural variation in lifespan over the course of human evolution and among different human groups in both pre-industrial and post-industrial society, and (ii) discussing the main physiological, neurological, genetic, and epigenetic molecular processes at the interface between sociality and ageing. We highlight that the exposure to chronic social stressors deregulates neurophysiological and immunological pathways and promotes accelerated ageing and thereby reducing lifespan. In conclusion, we describe how sociality and social dynamics are intimately embedded in human biology, influencing healthy ageing and lifespan, and we highlight the need to foster interdisciplinary approaches including social sciences, biological anthropology, human ecology, physiology, and genetics.

Viruses and the Brain-A Relationship Prone to Trouble

Neurological disorders, some of which are associated with viral infections, are growing due to the aging and expanding population. Despite strong defenses of the central nervous system, some viruses have evolved ways to breach them, which often result in dire consequences. In this review, we recount the various ways by which different viruses can enter the CNS, and we describe the consequences of such invasions. Consequences may manifest as acute disease, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or result in long-term effects, such as neuromuscular dysfunction, as occurs in poliomyelitis. We discuss evidence for viral involvement in the causation of well-known chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, as well as vascular dementia in the elderly. We also describe the approaches currently available to control a few of the neural viral infections. These include antivirals that are effective against human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus, as well as vaccines valuable for controlling rabies virus, poliomyelitis virus, and some flavivirus infections. There is an urgent need to better understand, at a molecular level, how viruses contribute to acute and, especially, chronic neurological diseases and to develop more precise and effective vaccines and therapies.

Conditional Knockout Kdm2a Reveals Crucial Involvement in Development and Function of Kidney Collecting Ducts

Lysine-specific histone demethylase 2 (Kdm2a) is essential for histone modifications involved in development and associated diseases. Nevertheless, the specific functions of Kdm2a in renal development and pathology remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of Kdm2a in sustaining the biological functions of the kidney by generating mutant mice with Kdm2a deletion using the Aqp2-cre/Loxp system. Our findings showed that Kdm2a is widely expressed across various mouse tissues, with particularly high expression in the kidney's cortex and medulla, surpassing that in other tissues. Despite no observable effects on morphology or survival following the conditional knockout of Kdm2a, there was a significant reduction in body weight and bilateral kidney weight compared to controls, most pronounced at the 5-week-old stage (p < 0.05). Post Kdm2a deletion, kidney metabolic functions were impaired, evidenced by altered levels of creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein. Histological examination revealed that Kdm2a-null kidneys exhibited signs of dysfunction, characterized by macrophage infiltration, fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mild thrombosis. Further studies revealed that the expression of chemokine- and pro-inflammatory cytokine-related genes Il-6, Il-8, Tnf-a, and Il-1β was significantly increased in the kidneys of Kdm2a cKO mice compared with controls (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of reabsorption-related genes (Aqp-3, Aqp-5, and Aqp-8) was markedly downregulated in Kdm2a-deficient kidneys compared with controls (p < 0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that Kdm2a is crucial for maintaining kidney function and development, partly through the suppression of inflammation and regulation of gene expression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of Kdm2a in kidney development warrant further investigation.

The Genetic and Epigenetic Arms of Human Ageing and Longevity

This proposed review aims to shed light on the major genetic and epigenetic contributions to the ageing process and longevity of individuals. In this context, we summarize the state of knowledge on the most important longevity and ageing genetic variants, and their interactions with the environment, in achieving a healthy lifespan. We also explore the contribution of lifestyle and the influence of non-heritable environmental factors on ageing (i.e., epigenetics). Accordingly, we discuss the role of inflammageing as one of the major targets to overcome morbidity and mortality in older people for the maintenance of healthy ageing. This more integrated view of longevity will display not only the underlying mechanisms at play but also invites the reader to rethink both our ageing process and our attitudes toward age.

DNA methylation of transposons pattern aging differences across a diverse cohort of dogs from the Dog Aging Project

Within a species, larger individuals often have shorter lives and higher rates of age-related disease. Despite this well-known link, we still know little about underlying age-related epigenetic differences, which could help us better understand inter-individual variation in aging and the etiology, onset, and progression of age-associated disease. Dogs exhibit this negative correlation between size, health, and longevity and thus represent an excellent system in which to test the underlying mechanisms. Here, we quantified genome-wide DNA methylation in a cohort of 864 dogs in the Dog Aging Project. Age strongly patterned the dog epigenome, with the majority (66% of age-associated loci) of regions associating age-related loss of methylation. These age effects were non-randomly distributed in the genome and differed depending on genomic context. We found the LINE1 (long interspersed elements) class of TEs (transposable elements) were the most frequently hypomethylated with age (FDR < 0.05, 40% of all LINE1 regions). This LINE1 pattern differed in magnitude across breeds of different sizes- the largest dogs lost 0.26% more LINE1 methylation per year than the smallest dogs. This suggests that epigenetic regulation of TEs, particularly LINE1s, may contribute to accelerated age and disease phenotypes within a species. Since our study focused on the methylome of immune cells, we looked at LINE1 methylation changes in golden retrievers, a breed highly susceptible to hematopoietic cancers, and found they have accelerated age-related LINE1 hypomethylation compared to other breeds. We also found many of the LINE1s hypomethylated with age are located on the X chromosome and are, when considering X chromosome inactivation, counter-intuitively more methylated in males. These results have revealed the demethylation of LINE1 transposons as a potential driver of intra-species, demographic-dependent aging variation.

Histone mark age of human tissues and cell types

Aging is a complex and multifaceted process involving many epigenetic alterations. One key area of interest in aging research is the role of histone modifications, which can dynamically regulate gene expression. Here, we conducted a pan-tissue analysis of the dynamics of seven key histone modifications during human aging. Our histone-specific age prediction models showed surprisingly accurate performance, proving resilient to experimental and artificial noise. Simulation experiments for comparison with DNA methylation age predictors revealed competitive performance. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis uncovered several critical developmental pathways for age prediction. Different from DNA methylation age predictors, genes known to be involved in aging biology are among the most important ones for the models. Last, we developed a pan-tissue pan-histone age predictor, suggesting that age-related epigenetic information is degenerated across the epigenome. This research highlights the power of histone marks as input for creating robust age predictors and opens avenues for understanding the role of epigenetic changes during aging.

Histone-acetyl epigenome regulates TGF-β pathway-associated chemoresistance in colorectal cancer

TGF-β signaling pathway has been demonstrated to be closely related to chemoresistance, which is the major cause of recurrence and poor outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC), however, the comprehensive epigenetic landscape that functionally implicates in the regulation of TGF-β pathway-associated chemoresistance has not yet well established in CRC. In our study, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and Western blot were employed to investigate epigenetic modifications for histones in response to TGF-β1 intervene. We found that the activation of the TGF-β pathway was characterized by genome-wide high levels of H3K9ac and H3K18ac. Mechanistically, the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway leads to the downregulation of the deacetylase HDAC4, resulting in the upregulation of H3K9ac and H3K18ac. Consequently, this cascade induces oxaliplatin chemoresistance in CRC by triggering the anti-apoptotic PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our in vivo experiment results confirmed that overexpression of HDAC4 significantly enhances the sensitivity of CRC to oxaliplatin chemotherapy. Moreover, the expression level of HDAC4 was positively correlated with patients' prognosis in CRC. Our data suggest that histone-acetyl modification demonstrates a crucial role in modulating TGF-β pathway-associated chemoresistance in CRC, and HDAC4 would be a biomarker for prognostic prediction and potential therapeutic target for treatment in CRC.

The comprehensive assessment of epigenetics changes during skin development

Epigenetic regulation is critical to multiple physiological and pathological processes. However, little is known regarding the epigenetic changes during neonatal skin development and skin aging, and in response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The transcriptomes of human skin samples from different ages or irradiated with different types and doses of UV light were analyzed using R (version 4.0.3) software. The epigenetic landscape of the skin, including histone modifications, genetic imprinting and m6A modification, which are mainly involved in collagen formation, extracellular matrix organization, immune function and keratinization, underwent significant changes during neonatal to adult development. Epigenetic effectors such as IGF2BP2, GATA2, GATA3, CPA4 and CDK1 were significantly correlated with extracellular matrix organization, and VEGFA, CDK1 and PRKCB with skin immune function. The m6A readers such as IGF2BP2, IGF2BP3, HNRNPA2B1 and EIF3G showed significant correlation with extracellular matrix organization, metabolism, or antigen processing and presentation. Small doses of UV exposure only induced changes in the expression levels of some epigenetic effectors, without any significant effect on the overall epigenetic landscape. However, the minimal erythema dose of UV exposure altered multiple epigenetic effectors regulating extracellular matrix organization, cell-matrix adhesion, innate immune response, mitochondrial function and mRNA processing. In addition, epigenetic changes following UV exposure were more pronounced in the elderly skin compared to the younger skin. In conclusion, histone modifications, genetic imprinting and m6A modification play critical roles during skin development, and a large dose of UV exposure can significantly change the expression of multiple epigenetic effectors.

Reducing functionally defective old HSCs alleviates aging-related phenotypes in old recipient mice

Aging is a process accompanied by functional decline in tissues and organs with great social and medical consequences. Developing effective anti-aging strategies is of great significance. In this study, we demonstrated that transplantation of young hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into old mice can mitigate aging phenotypes, underscoring the crucial role of HSCs in the aging process. Through comprehensive molecular and functional analyses, we identified a subset of HSCs in aged mice that exhibit "younger" molecular profiles and functions, marked by low levels of CD150 expression. Mechanistically, CD150low HSCs from old mice but not their CD150high counterparts can effectively differentiate into downstream lineage cells. Notably, transplantation of old CD150low HSCs attenuates aging phenotypes and prolongs lifespan of elderly mice compared to those transplanted with unselected or CD150high HSCs. Importantly, reducing the dysfunctional CD150high HSCs can alleviate aging phenotypes in old recipient mice. Thus, our study demonstrates the presence of "younger" HSCs in old mice, and that aging-associated functional decline can be mitigated by reducing dysfunctional HSCs.

Epigenetic modifications and emerging therapeutic targets in cardiovascular aging and diseases

The complex mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular diseases remain not fully elucidated. Epigenetics, which modulates gene expression without DNA sequence changes, is shedding light on these mechanisms and their heritable effects. This review focus on epigenetic regulation in cardiovascular aging and diseases, detailing specific epigenetic enzymes such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone acetyltransferases (HATs), and histone deacetylases (HDACs), which serve as writers or erasers that modify the epigenetic landscape. We also discuss the readers of these modifications, such as the 5-methylcytosine binding domain proteins, and the erasers ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins. The emerging role of RNA methylation, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), in cardiovascular pathogenesis is also discussed. We summarize potential therapeutic targets, such as key enzymes and their inhibitors, including DNMT inhibitors like 5-azacytidine and decitabine, HDAC inhibitors like belinostat and givinotide, some of which have been approved by the FDA for various malignancies, suggesting their potential in treating cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we highlight the role of novel histone modifications and their associated enzymes, which are emerging as potential therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases. Thus, by incorporating the recent studies involving patients with cardiovascular aging and diseases, we aim to provide a more detailed and updated review that reflects the advancements in the field of epigenetic modification in cardiovascular diseases.

Acetylresveratrol (AC-Res): An Evolving Frontier in Modulating Gene Expression

BACKGROUND

Acetylresveratrol (AC-Res), to date, is a powerful stilbene phytoalexin generated organically or as a component of a plant's defensive system, is a significant plant phenolic chemical portion and is investigated as a therapy option for a number of disorders. Owing to its inadequate stabilisation and considerable conformation rigidity, the utility of AC-Res as a medication is limited.

OBJECTIVE

The current review article outlined the structure of AC-Res, their methods of activity, and the latest technological progress in the administration of these molecules. It is conceivable to deduce that AC-Res has a variety of consequences for the cellular functions of infected cells.

METHODS

The literature survey for the present article was gathered from the authentic data published by various peer-reviewed publishers employing Google Scholar and PubMedprioritizing Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals as the search platform focusing on AC-Res pharmacological actions, particularly in the English language.

RESULTS

Despite its extensive spectrum of biological and therapeutic applications, AC-Res has become a source of increasing concern. Depending on the researchers, AC-Res possesses radioprotective, cardioprotective, neurological, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial potential. It also has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties.

CONCLUSION

To avoid non-specific cytotoxicity, optimization efforts are presently emphasizing the possible usage of AC-Res based on nanocrystals, nanoparticles and dendrimers, and nanocrystals. Finally, while using AC-Res in biology is still a way off, researchers agree that if they continue to explore it, AC-Res and similar parts will be recognized as actual possibilities for a variety of things in the next years.

Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the elderly: Is there a role for epigenetic reprogramming reversal?

With the increase in the elderly population worldwide, the number of subjects suffering from tuberculosis (TB) has shown an increased prevalence in this group. Immunosenescence is essential in this phenomenon because it may reactivate the lesions and render their adaptive immunity dysfunctional. In addition, inflammation in the lungs of the elderly subjects is also dysfunctional. Although effective drugs are available, they are often tolerated inadequately, reducing adherence to the therapy and leading to therapeutic failure. Comorbidities, poor general health status, and other medications may lead to increased drug adverse reactions and reduced adherence to treatment in the elderly. Hence, older adults require an individualized approach for better outcomes. Trained immunity, which involves epigenetic reprogramming, may contribute to balancing the dysfunction of innate and adaptive immunity in older people. This review analyzes the relationship between inflammation, age, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Moreover, we hypothesize that immunomodulation using trained immunity activators will help reduce inflammation while enhancing antimicrobial responses in the elderly. Understanding immunomodulation's molecular and physiological effects will lead to informed decisions about TB prevention and treatment strategies uniquely designed for the elderly.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Immunosenescence: Modulation Through Interventions and Lifestyle Changes

Immunosenescence, the age-related decline in immune function, is a complex biological process with profound implications for health and longevity. This phenomenon, characterized by alterations in both innate and adaptive immunity, increases susceptibility to infections, reduces vaccine efficacy, and contributes to the development of age-related diseases. At the cellular level, immunosenescence manifests as decreased production of naive T and B cells, accumulation of memory and senescent cells, thymic involution, and dysregulated cytokine production. Recent advances in molecular biology have shed light on the underlying mechanisms of immunosenescence, including telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and mTOR. These molecular changes lead to functional impairments in various immune cell types, altering their proliferative capacity, differentiation, and effector functions. Emerging research suggests that lifestyle factors may modulate the rate and extent of immunosenescence at both cellular and molecular levels. Physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and sleep patterns have been shown to influence immune cell function, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in older adults. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immunosenescence and explores how lifestyle interventions may impact these processes. We will examine the current understanding of immunosenescence at the genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic levels, and discuss how various lifestyle factors can potentially mitigate or partially reverse aspects of immune aging. By integrating recent findings from immunology, gerontology, and molecular biology, we aim to elucidate the intricate interplay between lifestyle and immune aging at the molecular level, potentially informing future strategies for maintaining immune competence in aging populations.

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Aging: Extrinsic Factors and Gut Microbiome

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Aging is a natural physiological process involving biological and genetic pathways. Growing evidence suggests that alterations in the epigenome during aging result in transcriptional changes, which play a significant role in the onset of age-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. For this reason, the epigenetic alterations in aging and age-related diseases have been reviewed, and the major extrinsic factors influencing these epigenetic alterations have been identified. In addition, the role of the gut microbiome and its metabolites as epigenetic modifiers has been addressed.

RESULTS

Long-term exposure to extrinsic factors such as air pollution, diet, drug use, environmental chemicals, microbial infections, physical activity, radiation, and stress provoke epigenetic changes in the host through several endocrine and immune pathways, potentially accelerating the aging process. Diverse studies have reported that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating brain cell functions through DNA methylation and histone modifications. The interaction between genes and the gut microbiome serves as a source of adaptive variation, contributing to phenotypic plasticity. However, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways driving this process are still not fully understood.

CONCLUSIONS

Extrinsic factors are potential inducers of epigenetic alterations, which may have important implications for longevity. The gut microbiome serves as an epigenetic effector influencing host gene expression through histone and DNA modifications, while bidirectional interactions with the host and the underexplored roles of microbial metabolites and non-bacterial microorganisms such as fungi and viruses highlight the need for further research.

Loss of Fbxo45 in AT2 cells leads to insufficient histone supply and initiates lung adenocarcinoma

Dysregulation of histone supply is implicated in various cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that knockout of Fbxo45 in mouse alveolar epithelial type 2 (AT2) cells leads to spontaneous LUAD. Our findings reveal that FBXO45 is a novel cell-cycle-regulated protein that is degraded upon phosphorylation by CDK1 during the S/G2 phase. During the S phase or DNA damage repair, FBXO45 binds to UPF1 and recruits the phosphatase PPP6C, thereby inhibiting UPF1 phosphorylation. This process is crucial for preventing the degradation of replication-dependent (RD) histone mRNAs and ensuring an adequate histone supply. In the absence of FBXO45, the impaired interaction between PPP6C and UPF1 results in sustained hyperphosphorylation of UPF1 throughout the cell cycle, leading to an insufficient histone supply, chromatin relaxation, genomic instability, and an increased rate of gene mutations, ultimately culminating in malignant transformation. Notably, analysis of clinical LUAD specimens confirms a positive correlation between the loss of FBXO45 and genomic instability, which is consistent with our findings in the mouse model. These results highlight the critical role of FBXO45 as a genomic guardian in coordinating histone supply and DNA replication, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies for the treatment of LUAD.

The impact of sex on memory during aging and Alzheimer's disease progression: Epigenetic mechanisms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, disability, and death in the elderly. While the etiology of AD is unknown, there are several established risk factors for the disease including, aging, female sex, and genetics. However, specific genetic mutations only account for a small percentage (1-5%) of AD cases and the much more common sporadic form of the disease has no causative genetic basis, although certain risk factor genes have been identified. While the genetic code remains static throughout the lifetime, the activation and expression levels of genes change dynamically over time via epigenetics. Recent evidence has emerged linking changes in epigenetics to the pathogenesis of AD, and epigenetic alterations also modulate cognitive changes during physiological aging. Aging is the greatest risk factor for the development of AD and two-thirds of all AD patients are women, who experience an increased rate of symptom progression compared to men of the same age. In humans and other mammalian species, males and females experience aging differently, raising the important question of whether sex differences in epigenetic regulation during aging could provide an explanation for sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. This review explores distinct epigenetic changes that impact memory function during aging and AD, with a specific focus on sexually divergent epigenetic alterations (in particular, histone modifications) as a potential mechanistic explanation for sex differences in AD.