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.
Subjects
advanced glycated end products microRNAs differentiation transcription skin absorption cellular quiescence lifespan longevity genes protein kinases self-renewal circadian blood-brain barrier aging-related disorders sirtuin-1 inflammation arterial aging reactive oxygen species electron microscopy reconstructed human skin rejuvenation low-dose fluvastatin and valsartan combination inflammaging hematopoietic stem cell aging cell cycle mitochondria ribose the nervous system nanomedicine proteostasis adult stem cells immunosenescence cell signaling mechanisms of quiescence maintenance metabolism aging melatonin diabetes mechanisms of quiescence entry and exit Drosophila melanogaster GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3)