Abstract
Aging is a complex process that is linked to an increased incidence of major diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease, but also cancer and immune disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which post-transcriptionally control gene expression by inhibiting translation or inducing degradation of targeted mRNAs. MiRNAs target up to hundreds of mRNAs, thereby modulating gene expression patterns. Many miRNAs appear to be dysregulated during cellular senescence, aging and disease. However, only few miRNAs have been so far linked to age-related changes in cellular and organ functions. The present article will discuss these findings, specifically focusing on the cardiovascular and neurological systems.
Highlights
Introduction and immune disordersMicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs, which posttranscriptionally control gene expression by inhibiting translation or inducingIn recent times, the once unrealistic aspiration of long successful aging has been widely portrayed as a reachable target for both the individual and society
As the factors leading to cell senescence become increasingly clear, it appears that dysfunction of the same pathways can occur in disease states
Lin-14 loss-of-function is unable to affect the survival of the long-lived Insulin/insulinlike growth factor (IGF)-1 deficient daf-2 (e1370) mutant, but it requires the downstream target dauer formation-16 (DAF-16)/FOXO to lengthen C. elegans lifespan
Summary
Aging is a complex process that is linked to an increased incidence of major diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. Additional factors involve changes in protein processing, gene expression and miRNAs. As the factors leading to cell senescence become increasingly clear, it appears that dysfunction of the same pathways can occur in disease states. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally control gene expression by blocking translation or inducing degradation of the targeted mRNA (for review see Bartel, 2009). MicroRNA Small non-coding RNA molecule that controls gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs. Parkinson’s disease Age-related neurodegenerative disease, characterized pathologically by the accumulation of protein aggregates in the brain, mainly composed of alpha-synuclein known as Lewy bodies. RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) Ribonucleoprotein complex containing a small RNA such as a microRNA, which guides the RISC to complementary target messenger RNAs. Senescence The endogenous and hereditary process of accumulative changes in the passage of time resulting in functional deterioration and/or death.
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