Retrotransposon SINEs in age-related diseases: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Suleman Shah, Siyi Yu, Chen Zhang, Ilyas Ali, Xiufang Wang, Youhui Qian, Tian Xiao

Thoracic Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Instability and Human Disease Prevention, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical school, Shenzhen 518055, China.Thoracic Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome Instability and Human Disease Prevention, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical school, Shenzhen 518055, China. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Retrotransposons are self-replicating genomic elements that move from one genomic location to another using a "copy-and-paste" method involving RNA intermediaries. One family of retrotransposon that has garnered considerable attention for its association with age-related diseases and anti-aging interventions is the short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs). This review summarizes current knowledge on the roles of SINEs in aging processes and therapies. To underscore the significant research on the involvement of SINEs in aging-related diseases, we commence by outlining compelling evidence on the classification and mechanism, highlighting implications in age-related phenomena. The intricate relationship between SINEs and diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, heart failure, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, visual system dysfunctions, and cancer is explored, emphasizing their roles in various age-related diseases. Recent investigations into the anti-aging potential of SINE-targeted treatments are examined, with particular attention to how SINE antisense RNA mitigate age-related alterations at the cellular and molecular levels, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for age-related pathologies. This review aims to compile the most recent advances on the multifaceted roles of SINE retrotransposons in age-related diseases and anti-aging interventions, providing valuable insights into underlying mechanisms and therapeutic avenues for promoting healthy aging.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper discusses the role of retrotransposons, specifically SINEs, in age-related diseases and explores potential therapeutic implications, which aligns with the broader goals of longevity research. However, while it provides a solid overview of mechanisms and potential interventions, it does not present groundbreaking findings or novel therapeutic strategies that significantly advance the field. Thus, it is a solid contribution but with limited impact.

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