A new approach to old problems: epitranscriptomics in aging and rejuvenation
Diana Guallar
Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Post-transcriptional modifications can modulate the structure and function of all RNA molecules. In recent years, RNA modifications (also referred to as “the Epitranscriptome”) have been implicated in the control of physiological and pathological processes, including age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders and neurodegenerative processes. Although numerous studies have shown a
progressive loss of epigenetic configuration with age, the potential implication of epitranscriptomic modifications in aging and rejuvenation are widely unexplored. Our laboratory is interested in understanding the crosstalk of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic mechanisms in pluripotent stem cells, ageing and during cellular rejuvenation. Given the reversibility of both epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications, this exciting new approach aims at finding potential interventions that could help extend human healthspan in the future.