Abstract
Polyamines are polycations that interact with negatively charged molecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. They play multiple roles in cell growth, survival and proliferation. Changes in polyamine levels have been associated with aging and diseases. Their levels decline continuously with age and polyamine (spermidine or high-polyamine diet) supplementation increases life span in model organisms. Polyamines have also been involved in stress resistance. On the other hand, polyamines are increased in cancer cells and are a target for potential chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, we bring together these various results and draw a picture of the state of our knowledge on the roles of polyamines in aging, stress and diseases.
Highlights
Polyamines have been known for a long-time as the first one, spermine, was discovered over 330 years ago by microscopic observation of human semen [reviewed in 1]
We have shown that induction of autophagy was probably the main mechanism of action of spermidine to trigger its beneficial effects on life span and aging [4, 94, 107, 108]
Exogenous spermine treatment and increased polyamine synthesis by genetic means lead to higher stress resistance
Summary
Polyamines have been known for a long-time as the first one, spermine, was discovered over 330 years ago by microscopic observation of human semen [reviewed in 1]. These mice accumulated high levels of putrescine and exhibited a depletion of spermine and spermidine. We have recently published a study following the consequences of external spermidine administration in various model organisms, including yeast, worms, flies, www.impactaging.com mice and human cells [4].
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