The role of epigenetics in aging and age-related diseases

Abstract The role of epigenetics in aging and age-related diseases is a key issue in molecular physiology and medicine because certain epigenetic factors are thought to mediate, at least in part, the relationship between the genome and the environment. An active role for epigenetics in aging must me...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ageing research reviews 2009-10, Vol.8 (4), p.268-276
Main Authors: Calvanese, Vincenzo, Lara, Ester, Kahn, Arnold, Fraga, Mario F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging - genetics
Chromatin - genetics
Disease
DNA Methylation
Environment
Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics
Histones - genetics
Histones - metabolism
Humans
Internal Medicine
Neurology
Phenotype
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Summary:Abstract The role of epigenetics in aging and age-related diseases is a key issue in molecular physiology and medicine because certain epigenetic factors are thought to mediate, at least in part, the relationship between the genome and the environment. An active role for epigenetics in aging must meet two prior conditions: there must be specific epigenetic changes during aging and they must be functionally associated with the aged phenotype. Assuming that specific epigenetic modifications can have a direct functional outcome in aging, it is also essential to establish whether they depend on genetic, environmental or stochastic factors, and if they can be transmitted from one generation to the next. Here we discuss current knowledge about these matters and future directions in the field.
ISSN:1568-1637
1872-9649
DOI:10.1016/j.arr.2009.03.004