Key miRNAs in Modulating Aging and Longevity: A Focus on Signaling Pathways and Cellular Targets

Epigenetic biomarkers in aging and longevity: Current and future application

The aging process has been one of the most necessary research fields in the current century, and knowing different theories of aging and the role of different genetic, epigenetic, molecular, and environmental modulating factors in increasing the knowledge of aging mechanisms and developing appropriate diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive ways would be helpful. One of the most conserved signs of aging is epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and extracellular RNAs. Numerous biological processes and hallmarks are vital in aging development, but epigenomic alterations are especially notable because of their importance in gene regulation and cellular identity. The mounting evidence points to a possible interaction between age-related epigenomic alterations and other aging hallmarks, like genome instability. To extend a healthy lifespan and possibly reverse some facets of aging and aging-related diseases, it will be crucial to comprehend global and locus-specific epigenomic modifications and recognize corresponding regulators of health and longevity. In the current study, we will aim to discuss the role of epigenomic mechanisms in aging and the most recent developments in epigenetic diagnostic biomarkers, which have the potential to focus efforts on reversing the destructive signs of aging and extending the lifespan.

MicroRNA biomarkers as next-generation diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases: a comprehensive review

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by abnormalities within neurons of the brain or spinal cord that gradually lose function, eventually leading to cell death. Upon examination of affected tissue, pathological changes reveal a loss of synapses, misfolded proteins, and activation of immune cells-all indicative of disease progression-before severe clinical symptoms become apparent. Early detection of NDs is crucial for potentially administering targeted medications that may delay disease advancement. Given their complex pathophysiological features and diverse clinical symptoms, there is a pressing need for sensitive and effective diagnostic methods for NDs. Biomarkers such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as potential tools for detecting these diseases. We explore the pivotal role of miRNAs in the context of NDs, focusing on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The review delves into the intricate relationship between aging and NDs, highlighting structural and functional alterations in the aging brain and their implications for disease development. It elucidates how miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins are implicated in the pathogenesis of NDs and underscores the importance of investigating their expression and function in aging. Significantly, miRNAs exert substantial influence on post-translational modifications (PTMs), impacting not just the nervous system but a wide array of tissues and cell types as well. Specific miRNAs have been found to target proteins involved in ubiquitination or de-ubiquitination processes, which play a significant role in regulating protein function and stability. We discuss the link between miRNA, PTM, and NDs. Additionally, the review discusses the significance of miRNAs as biomarkers for early disease detection, offering insights into diagnostic strategies.

Influence of age and sex on microRNA response and recovery in the hippocampus following sepsis

Sepsis, defined as a dysregulated host immune response to infection, is a common and dangerous clinical syndrome. The excessive host inflammatory response can induce immediate and persistent cognitive decline, which can be worse in older individuals. Sex-specific differences in the outcome of infectious diseases and sepsis appear to favor females. We employed a murine model to examine the influence of age and sex on the brain's microRNA (miR) response following sepsis. Young and old mice of both sexes underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with daily restraint stress. Expression of hippocampal miR was examined in age- and sex-matched controls at 1 and 4 days post-CLP. Few miR were modified in a similar manner across age or sex and these few miR were generally associated with neuroprotection against inflammation. Similar to previous work examining transcription, young females exhibited a better recovery of the miR profile from day 1 to day 4, relative to young males and old females. For young males and all female groups, the initial response mainly involved a decrease in miR expression. In contrast, old males exhibited only upregulated miR on day 1 and day 4 and many of the miR upregulated on day 1 and day 4 were linked to neurodegeneration, increased neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. The results emphasize age and sex differences in epigenetic mechanisms that likely contribute to susceptibility or resilience to cognitive impairment due to sepsis.