Cell Aging Molecular Mechanisms And Implications For Disease

Aging represents a physiological and per se non-pathological and multifactorial process involving a set of key genes and mechanisms being triggered by different endogenous and exogenous factors. Since aging is a major risk factor in connection with a variety of human disorders, it is increasingly becoming a central topic in biochemical and medical research. The plethora of theories on aging – some of which have been discussed for decades – are neither isolated nor contradictory but instead can be connected in a network of pathways and processes at the cellular and molecular levels. This book summarizes the most prominent and important approaches, focusing on telomeres, DNA damage and oxidative stress as well as on the possible role of nutrition, the interplay between genes and environment (epigenetics) and intracellular protein homeostasis and introduces some genes that have actually extended life spans in animal models. Linking these different determinants of aging with disease, this volume aims to reveal their multiple interdependencies. We see that there is no single “perfect” theory of aging and that instead it is possible to define what the authors call the molecular aging matrix of the cell. A better knowledge of its key mechanisms and the mutual connections between its components will lead to a better understanding of age-associated disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Aging of unicellular and multicellular eukaryotic organisms is a convoluted biological phenomenon, which is manifested as an age-related functional decline caused by progressive dysregulation of certain cellular and organismal processes. Many chronic diseases are associated with human aging. These aging-associated diseases include cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases (including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s diseases), and many forms of cancer. Studies in yeast, roundworms, fruit flies, fishes, mice, primates, and humans have provided evidence that the major aspects and basic mechanisms of aging and aging-associated pathology are conserved across phyla. The focus of this International Journal of Molecular Sciences Special Issue is on molecular and cellular mechanisms, diagnostics, and therapies and diseases of aging. Fifteen original research and review articles in this Special Issue provide important insights into how various genetic, dietary, and pharmacological interventions can affect certain longevity-defining cellular and organismal processes to delay aging and postpone the onset of age-related pathologies in evolutionarily diverse organisms. These articles outline the most important unanswered questions and directions for future research in the vibrant and rapidly evolving fields of mechanisms of biological aging, aging-associated diseases, and aging-delaying therapies.

There is growing evidence that adult stem cells age. This process can result in alterations in the number and function of stem cells, leading to distinct phenotypic outcomes in different organ systems. This publication provides an outstanding overview of this emerging field.The molecular causes of stem cell aging remain to be defined. Stem cell aging can involve cell-intrinsic as well as cell-extrinsic alterations affecting the stem cell niche or the macroenvironment. Stem cells have a longer life span than other cell populations and retain a capacity to proliferate and differentiate in adult organs. The aging of adult stem cells plays a key role in the decline of organ maintenance and regenerative potential during aging and during the end stage of chronic diseases. In addition, it can contribute to stem cell transformation and carcinogenesis.Molecular Mechanisms of Adult Stem Cell Aging will appeal to scientists working in the fields such as stem cells, aging, regeneration and cancer. This subject matter should be of interest to physicians and scientists specializing in geriatric medicine, internal medicine, and surgery. It is also likely to be an invaluable resource for medical students and biologists who wish to enhance their understanding of molecular and stem cell biology.

This book examines the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with aging. It comprehensively describes the genetic, epigenetic, biochemical and metabolic regulation of aging, as well as some important age-related diseases. Divided into two major sections, it takes readers through the various aspects of aging in a story-like manner and suggests various interventions for healthy aging, such as dietary restriction, regular exercise, nutrition and maintaining a balanced and a non-stressful lifestyle. It describes the implications of aging on the nervous system, metabolism, immunity and stem cells as well as care for the elderly. The book is an ideal companion for both new and established researchers in the field and is also useful for educators, clinicians and policy makers.

Our skin changes as we age. It becomes thinner and loses fat, making it less plump and smooth. Clinically, aged skin is characterized by wrinkles, sagging, age spots and dryness. Emphasizing laboratory and clinical research, this book comprehensively describes the molecular mechanisms of human skin-aging and age-related skin diseases. This includes molecular understanding of the development of aging skin and its prevention as well as mechanisms-based clinical rejuvenation. The book also focuses on research to develop mechanisms-based anti-skin-aging products.

Telomere shortening represents one of the basic aspects of ageing and telomere dysfunction could contribute to the accumulation of DNA damage during ageing. This book summarizes evidence and data indicating that telomere dysfunction influences human ageing, diseases and cancer. The book describes our current knowledge on checkpoints that limit cellular lifespan and survival in response to telomere dysfunction. There is special focus on adult stem cells.

The functionality of adult tissue stem cells from various organ systems declines during aging. This publication summarizes novel molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of aging-associated deficiencies as discussed by leading experts during the 5th Else Kröner-Fresenius Symposium. It is the first book that explicitly focuses on molecular mechanisms of stem cell aging and its consequences for disease and cancer development including both cell-intrinsic mechanisms as well as aging-induced alterations in the stem cell niche and the systemic environment. Cutting-edge information on stem cells, aging, cancer, and disease make this publication of special interest to basic researchers in the respective fields. Further, it is also intended for medical doctors in the fields of geriatrics, internal medicine, and cancer as it provides a novel understanding of the evolution of tissue dysfunction, diseases and cancer as a consequence of aging.