AI Article Synopsis
- The aging process involves gradual alterations to macromolecules, particularly chromatin, which can affect biological functions negatively.
- Changes in histone modifications and levels during aging impact chromatin organization and gene expression.
- Research shows that reversing age-related changes in chromatin can potentially extend lifespan, highlighting its significant role in aging.
Article Abstract
The aging process is characterized by gradual changes to an organism's macromolecules, which negatively impacts biological processes. The complex macromolecular structure of chromatin regulates all nuclear processes requiring access to the DNA sequence. As such, maintenance of chromatin structure is an integral component to deter premature aging. In this review, we describe current research that links aging to chromatin structure. Histone modifications influence chromatin compaction and gene expression and undergo many changes during aging. Histone protein levels also decline during aging, dramatically affecting chromatin structure. Excitingly, lifespan can be extended by manipulations that reverse the age-dependent changes to chromatin structure, indicating the pivotal role chromatin structure plays during aging.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3988783 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2010.11.016 | DOI Listing |
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