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P A Y W A L L E D S O U R C E : Cell
Highlights
Gene expression can be optimised for health and longevity through manipulation of transcription factor (TF) activity. The effects of many such TFs are conserved between animal species indicating evolutionary conservation of underlying mechanisms.
Lifespan-determining TFs regulate a plethora of cellular and organismal functions, including stress resistance, metabolism and growth. They interact with each other both within and between cells. Manipulating their activity in a single cell type can often be sufficient to insure longevity.
The evolutionary conservation of their effects on ageing is most likely a reflection of the conservation of their function in processes, such as reproduction, growth, and metabolism, that are important earlier in life. Their effects on early and late life can, however, often be uncoupled.
The increasing number of older people is resulting in an increased prevalence of age-related diseases. Research has shown that the ageing process itself is a potential point of intervention. Indeed, gene expression can be optimised for health in older ages through manipulation of transcription factor (TF) activity. This review is focused on the ever-growing number of TFs whose effects on ageing are evolutionarily conserved. These regulate a plethora of functions, including stress resistance, metabolism, and growth. They are engaged in complex interactions within and between different cell types, impacting the physiology of the entire organism. Since ageing is not programmed, the conservation of their effects on lifespan is most likely a reflection of the conservation of their functions in youth.
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