Premium
Chromatin structure as a mediator of aging
Author(s) -
Feser Jason,
Tyler Jessica
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.11.016
Subject(s) - chromatin , histone modifying enzymes , scaffold/matrix attachment region , chromatin remodeling , histone , microbiology and biotechnology , cellular aging , biology , chia pet , bivalent chromatin , genetics , dna , telomere
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.