Geroscience

Geroscience is the study of the bioligical causes of aging in the human body. Over the years, scientists and researchers have sought to understand the underlying mechanisms of aging and explore ways to extend healthy lifespans. Geroscience, an interdisciplinary field that merges biology, genetics, and medicine, focuses on unraveling the complexities of aging and developing interventions to promote healthier and longer lives.

What is Geroscience?

Geroscience, derived from the Greek words "geron," meaning old man, and "science," refers to the scientific study of the biology of aging. Unlike traditional approaches that often address specific age-related diseases, geroscience aims to target the fundamental processes of aging itself. The central hypothesis is that by targeting these aging processes, it may be possible to delay or prevent a range of age-related diseases simultaneously.

Hallmarks of Aging

In 2013, researchers proposed a landmark paper titled "The Hallmarks of Aging," which outlined nine interconnected hallmarks that contribute to the aging process. These hallmarks include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. Geroscience researchers investigate these hallmarks to identify potential interventions that could slow down or reverse the aging process.

Targeting Aging to Address Multiple Diseases

One of the revolutionary aspects of geroscience is its potential to address various age-related diseases simultaneously. By targeting the root causes of aging, researchers hope to impact multiple pathways and reduce the risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. This holistic approach contrasts with the traditional medical model that focuses on treating individual diseases.

Senolytics and Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence, one of the hallmarks of aging, refers to the state in which cells lose their ability to divide and function properly. Senolytics are a class of drugs that target and eliminate senescent cells, thereby rejuvenating tissues and organs. This approach has shown promise in preclinical studies and has sparked interest as a potential therapeutic intervention to combat age-related diseases.

Caloric Restriction Mimetics

Caloric restriction, the practice of reducing caloric intake without malnutrition, has been shown to extend the lifespan of various organisms. Researchers are now exploring caloric restriction mimetics—compounds that mimic the effects of caloric restriction without the need for drastic dietary changes. These compounds hold promise for promoting longevity and delaying age-related diseases.

Telomeres and Telomerase

Telomeres, protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, shorten with each cell division. The enzyme telomerase can counteract this shortening process. Geroscience researchers are investigating ways to enhance telomerase activity to maintain telomere length and potentially slow down the aging process.