The Epigenetics of Aging and Longevity

Dear Colleagues,

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that both genetic and epigenetic alterations contribute to aging. In contrast to genetic changes, the reversible nature of epigenetic mechanisms makes these pathways promising avenues for the development of regimens against age-related decline and disease.

With the advent of techniques for genome-wide analysis of histone modifications and DNA methylation, we are now learning that aging is accompanied by a wealth of changes to the epigenetic information. These age-associated changes in the epigenetic information alter the chromatin structure over time, in turn causing transcriptional changes, genomic instability and activation of transposons that drive the aging process. Furthermore, small molecules are being utilized to alter the epigenetic information in order to counter the aging process in model organisms. The best-characterized pathway connecting the environment to the epigenome is nutrient signaling. Exciting progress is being made in understanding how nutrients influence aging and how nutrients, including altered diets, can be utilized to promote longevity.

In this Special Issue, we would like to invite submissions of original research or review articles on topics relevant to “the epigenetics of aging and longevity”. We hope to gather together knowledge to empower efforts towards the effective and safe extension of lifespan and health span in humans. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Jessica Tyler
Dr. Jay E. Johnson
Guest Editors

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