Design principles of gene circuits for longevity.

Paula Godoy, Nan Hao

Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.Department of Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Aging is a dynamic process that is driven by cellular damage and disruption of homeostatic gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Traditional studies often focus on individual genes, but understanding their interplay is key to unraveling the mechanisms of aging. This review explores the gene circuits that influence longevity and highlights the role of feedback loops in maintaining cellular balance. The SIR2-HAP circuit in yeast serves as a model to explore how mutual inhibition between pathways influences aging trajectories and how engineering stable fixed points or oscillations within these circuits can extend lifespan. Feedback loops crucial for maintaining homeostasis are also reviewed, and we highlight how their destabilization accelerates aging. By leveraging systems and synthetic biology, strategies are proposed that may stabilize these loops within single cells, thereby enhancing their resilience to aging-related damage.

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 proposes that engineering stable feedback loops in gene circuits can enhance cellular resilience to aging-related damage. This research is relevant as it addresses the underlying mechanisms of aging and explores potential strategies for lifespan extension.

Author of this paper? Send a correction.