Molecular Mechanisms of Life-Extending Biomolecules and Interventions with Medical and Technological Implications

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 6435

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Basic Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA
Interests: aging; stress resistance; age-related memory impairment (AMI); dementia in basic and medical sciences
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to overview our current understanding of biomolecules and life-extending interventions, past studies on model systems having identified life-extending genes, biomolecules and interventions able to extend the lifespan and stress resistance. However, how life-extending biomolecules and interventions work has yet to be adequately explored. In humans, genetic meta-analyses have identified genes associated with genetic signatures of people with extreme longevity, potentially capable of being shared with a wide variety of neurological and age-related comorbidities (Vahdati Nia et al., 2017, Front Genet. 12;8:55. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00055). The genes are involved in the metabolism relevant to nutrients (lipid, amino acids, and carbohydrates), enzymes (e.g., Le et al., 2021, Int J Mol Sci. 2021 22(24):13178. doi: 10.3390/ijms222413178) and associated age-related comorbidities, as well as being involved in lipoprotein metabolism, hemostasis, and neural and immune systems. This Special Issue emphasizes, but is not limited to, genes, biomolecules, metabolism and age-related comorbidities, especially with immediate medical relevance and cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence. I would like to clarify the differences between aging (i.e., causes) and age-related diseases (i.e., outcomes), as well as how each manuscript may fit them.

Prof. Dr. Shin Murakami
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomolecules
  • genes
  • molecular and metabolic mechanisms
  • model systems
  • humans

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

35 pages, 3801 KiB  
Review
Targeting the Electron Transport System for Enhanced Longevity
by Marko Radovic, Lucas P. Gartzke, Simon E. Wink, Joris A. van der Kleij, Frouwkje A. Politiek and Guido Krenning
Biomolecules 2025, 15(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15050614 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results in defective electron transport system (ETS) complexes, initiating a cycle of impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging). This culminates in energy failure, cellular senescence, and progressive tissue degeneration. [...] Read more.
Damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results in defective electron transport system (ETS) complexes, initiating a cycle of impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging). This culminates in energy failure, cellular senescence, and progressive tissue degeneration. Rapamycin and metformin are the most extensively studied longevity drugs. Rapamycin inhibits mTORC1, promoting mitophagy, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, and reducing inflammation. Metformin partially inhibits Complex I, lowering reverse electron transfer (RET)-induced ROS formation and activating AMPK to stimulate autophagy and mitochondrial turnover. Both compounds mimic caloric restriction, shift metabolism toward a catabolic state, and confer preclinical—and, in the case of metformin, clinical—longevity benefits. More recently, small molecules directly targeting mitochondrial membranes and ETS components have emerged. Compounds such as Elamipretide, Sonlicromanol, SUL-138, and others modulate metabolism and mitochondrial function while exhibiting similarities to metformin and rapamycin, highlighting their potential in promoting longevity. The key question moving forward is whether these interventions should be applied chronically to sustain mitochondrial health or intermittently during episodes of stress. A pragmatic strategy may combine chronic metformin use with targeted mitochondrial therapies during acute physiological stress. Full article
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17 pages, 1505 KiB  
Review
BODIPY-Based Molecules for Biomedical Applications
by Sarasija Das, Sudipto Dey, Sanujit Patra, Arindam Bera, Totan Ghosh, Bibin Prasad, Kapil Dev Sayala, Krishnendu Maji, Anjan Bedi and Sashi Debnath
Biomolecules 2023, 13(12), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13121723 - 30 Nov 2023
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5818
Abstract
BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) derivatives have attracted attention as probes in applications like imaging and sensing due to their unique properties like (1) strong absorption and emission in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, (2) strong fluorescence and (3) supreme photostability. They [...] Read more.
BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) derivatives have attracted attention as probes in applications like imaging and sensing due to their unique properties like (1) strong absorption and emission in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, (2) strong fluorescence and (3) supreme photostability. They have also been employed in areas like photodynamic therapy. Over the last decade, BODIPY-based molecules have even emerged as candidates for cancer treatments. Cancer remains a significant health issue world-wide, necessitating a continuing search for novel therapeutic options. BODIPY is a flexible fluorophore with distinct photophysical characteristics and is a fascinating drug development platform. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent breakthroughs in BODIPY-based small molecules for cancer or disease detection and therapy, including their functional potential. Full article
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