Epigenetic enzymes: A role in aging and prospects for pharmacological targeting

• Published in: Ageing research reviews Vol. 67; p. 101312
• Main Authors: Pasyukova, Elena G., Symonenko, Alexander V., Rybina, Olga Y., Vaiserman, Alexander M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier B.V 01-05-2021
• Subjects: Age-related diseases; Aging; Aging - genetics; DNA Methylation; DNMT inhibitors; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenetic modifications; Epigenomics; HDAC inhibitors; Histone Deacetylases - metabolism; Humans; Lifespan; Aging; Epigenetic modifications; HDAC inhibitors; Age-related diseases; DNMT inhibitors; Lifespan
• ISSN: 1568-1637; 1872-9649
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101312

•Epigenetic processes play a key regulatory role in aging and age-related disease.•Specific epigenome-modulating enzymes are involved in the control of these processes.•The function of these enzymes may be modulated by specific pharmacological agents.•Pharmacological targeting of epigenetic enzymes holds promise in anti-aging therapy.
The development of interventions aimed at improving healthspan is one of the priority tasks for the academic and public health authorities. It is also the main objective of a novel branch in biogerontological research, geroscience. According to the geroscience concept, targeting aging is an effective way to combat age-related disorders. Since aging is an exceptionally complex process, system-oriented integrated approaches seem most appropriate for such an interventional strategy. Given the high plasticity and adaptability of the epigenome, epigenome-targeted interventions appear highly promising in geroscience research. Pharmaceuticals targeted at mechanisms involved in epigenetic control of gene activity are actively developed and implemented to prevent and treat various aging-related conditions such as cardiometabolic, neurodegenerative, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. In this review, we describe the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in aging; characterize enzymes contributing to the regulation of epigenetic processes; particularly focus on epigenetic drugs, such as inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases that may potentially affect aging-associated diseases and longevity; and discuss possible caveats associated with the use of epigenetic drugs.