Epigenetic aging and its reversal

Abstract

Aging is characterized by a loss of molecular fidelity that leads to cellular dysfunction and culminates in disease and death. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this physiologic process is important to developing rejuvenation strategies and therapeutic interventions. Aging is associated with changes in the epigenome, including changes in DNA methylation, imbalance in histone repression and activating marks, alteration of chromatin condensation and nuclear architecture, and with changes in the expression of noncoding RNAs. In this chapter, we review the current understanding of epigenetic alterations and mechanisms described regarding aging in humans. We summarize their contribution to the aging process, epigenetic rejuvenation interventions and their therapeutic potential, and open questions that remain to be addressed to have a more complete picture of the epigenome involvement in human aging.