Geroscience

Geroscience is an interdisciplinary field that studies the intricate mechanisms of ageing to delay or prevent age-related diseases and decline. It recognises ageing as a multifaceted process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, immune, and environmental factors.

Key Mechanisms of Ageing

Geroscience focuses on several key mechanisms of ageing, including:

• Genomic instability
• Telomere attrition
• Epigenetic alterations
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Altered intercellular communication
• Immunosenescence (the deterioration of the immune system with age)
• Exposome (external exposures like environmental pollutants, social conditions, psychological stressors, and diet)
• Microbiome changes

Interventions and Therapies

Geroscience aims to develop interventions to reverse or mitigate these ageing mechanisms and improve cellular function. Some of the interventions being explored include:

• Epigenetic reprogramming
• Partial cellular reprogramming
• Senolytics (drugs that eliminate senescent cells)
• Gene therapy
• CRISPR-based gene editing
• Microbiome-based interventions
• Caloric restriction
• NAD+ precursors
• mTOR inhibition

Applications and Future Directions

Geroscience has numerous applications, including:

• Developing anti-ageing interventions
• Studying the effects of lifestyle choices on ageing
• Validating claims of exceptional longevity
• Personalised medicine

Despite promising advancements, geroscience faces challenges such as the complexity of ageing, lack of consensus on biomarker validation, and ethical considerations. Future research aims to systematically validate biomarkers, optimise interventions, and integrate technological solutions to address the diverse needs of ageing populations.

In summary, geroscience is a rapidly evolving field that holds great promise for understanding and mitigating the effects of ageing, ultimately aiming to promote healthy ageing and prevent age-related diseases.