Genome-environment interactions that modulate aging: powerful targets for drug discovery.

ABSTRACT: Aging is the major biomedical challenge of this century. The percentage of elderly people, and consequently the incidence of age-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, is projected to increase considerably in the coming decades. Findings from model organisms have revealed that aging is a surprisingly plastic process that can be manipulated by both genetic and environmental factors. Here we review a broad range of findings in model organisms, from environmental to genetic manipulations of aging, with a focus on those with underlying gene-environment interactions with potential for drug discovery and development. One well-studied dietary manipulation of aging is caloric restriction, which consists of restricting the food intake of organisms without tr

SUBMITTER: de Magalhaes JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3250080 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature