Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Research
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Questions and Answers

What does the free radical theory of aging propose?

  • Free radicals have no impact on aging.
  • Aging is caused solely by genetic factors.
  • Degenerative changes are mediated by free radicals from cellular metabolism. (correct)
  • Caloric restriction prevents the formation of free radicals.

    • Which metals are mentioned as catalyzing reactions that generate free radicals?

  • Copper and mercury
  • Gold and silver
  • Lead and zinc
  • Iron, cobalt, and manganese (correct)

    • What was first discovered about the lifespan of fibroblasts in the continuous culture of human diploid cells?

  • It is limited. (correct)
  • It is significantly shorter than previously thought.
  • It is unlimited in healthy conditions.
  • It varies significantly across species.

    • How does caloric restriction affect the lifespan of organisms according to the research?

    <p>It increases lifespan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of heterochronic parabiosis?

    <p>To share blood supply between two conjoined animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was indicated by the study on heterochronic parabiosis?

    <p>Approximately 50 cell types are susceptible to accelerated aging effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main outcome observed in the older mouse during heterochronic parabiosis?

    <p>It experiences rejuvenation effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of aging research as depicted in the content?

    <p>Molecular mechanisms including free radicals and cellular lifespan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does parabiosis have on the epigenetic age of blood and liver?

    <p>It reduces epigenetic age.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT cited as a factor affecting successful aging?

    <p>Genetic inheritance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes genomic instability in the context of aging?

    <p>Accumulation of nuclear DNA damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is aging described in relation to the programmed nature of development?

    <p>Aging reflects a continued embryonic program.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following hallmarks of aging relates to breakdown in cellular communication?

    <p>Cellular senescence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of loneliness in aging individuals?

    <p>Decreased cognitive function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is suggested to be better than blood exchange in the context of epigenetic assessment?

    <p>Parabiosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does telomere shortening signify at a molecular level in the aging process?

    <p>Reduction in cellular lifespan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers senescence in cells?

    <p>Both intrinsic and extrinsic insults</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is replicative senescence?

    <p>Natural cessation of cell division after many cycles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does senescence affect wound healing?

    <p>It regulates proper healing by limiting fibrotic tissue development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about senescence is true?

    <p>It can be beneficial during tissue remodeling and development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does aging play in senescence according to geroscience?

    <p>It is the greatest risk factor for various diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the p53-p21 pathway in response to DNA damage?

    <p>Blocks the cell cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) more susceptible to mutations compared to nuclear DNA?

    <p>It lacks effective gene repair mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between aging and somatic mutations?

    <p>Increased somatic mutations are associated with aging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs as mitochondrial DNA becomes unstable with age?

    <p>Chronic immune response triggers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function do mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) serve?

    <p>Regulate functions in other tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is circulating cell-free mtDNA connected to health concerns?

    <p>It signals inflammation and neurological disorders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) have during stress?

    <p>Alters metabolites and energy production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which peptide is associated with cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease?

    <p>Humanin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect distinguishes mitochondrial signals (mitokines) from other cellular signals?

    <p>They can travel outside of cells affecting other tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is associated with the shortening of telomeric DNA during cellular division?

    <p>Telomerase activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is defined as a stable exit from the cell cycle due to finite proliferative capacity?

    <p>Cellular senescence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the accumulation of numerical abnormalities in the genome as cells age?

    <p>Aneuploidy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are CD4+ T cells affected by increased levels of endogenous cellular DNA in aging?

    <p>They activate and proliferate more</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which epigenetic alteration is characterized by changes in DNA methylation with age?

    <p>Epigenetic clock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mitochondrial protein acts as a chaperone and is linked to age-related changes?

    <p>SHLP2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the consequences of cellular senescence?

    <p>Stable cell cycle arrest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary use of metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes?

    <p>It is used in monotherapy for individuals unable to achieve glycemic control with diet and exercise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is metformin primarily eliminated from the body?

    <p>Excreted unchanged through the kidneys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of the TAME trial regarding metformin?

    <p>To investigate its ability to slow aging and reduce senescent cell burden.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of metformin makes it notable in the context of aging research?

    <p>Its potential as a senolytic drug targeting senescent cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the half-life of metformin in the plasma?

    <p>Approximately 2 hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism through which rapamycin promotes healthy aging?

    <p>Inhibiting the mTOR pathway</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does SASP stand for and what is its role in aging?

    <p>Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype, it promotes inflammation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which metformin lowers blood sugar levels?

    <p>Enhancing glycolysis and improving glucose uptake by muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does resveratrol reduce cellular senescence in endothelial progenitor cells?

    <p>By activating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which effect of metformin is associated with its benefits on aging?

    <p>Down-regulating senescence markers and SASP factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cellular effects does rapamycin's inhibition of TORC1 lead to?

    <p>Decreased protein synthesis and enhanced autophagy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does metformin specifically impact the mitochondria?

    <p>By inhibiting complex I of the electron transport chain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a known effect of metformin on lipid metabolism?

    <p>Reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main aging-related benefits associated with metformin?

    <p>Reduces the accumulation of senescent cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does resveratrol have in neural cells?

    <p>Activates SIRT1, reducing cellular stress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the action of metformin?

    <p>It phosphorylates and inhibits transcription factors related to glucose production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organism models have shown increased lifespan due to metformin administration?

    <p>Caenorhabditis elegans and mice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following compounds is known for activating sirtuins to promote cellular repair?

    <p>Resveratrol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What additional benefit does metformin offer beyond glucose control?

    <p>It has anticoagulant and fibrinolytic properties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does rapamycin specifically target SASP?

    <p>By reducing protein synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the inhibition of complex I in the mitochondria lead to in terms of cellular metabolism?

    <p>Increased AMP levels and activation of AMPK</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Molecular Mechanisms of Aging

    • Aging is associated with degenerative changes mediated by harmful free radicals.
    • Free radicals result from normal cellular metabolism and attack cellular components.
    • Oxidative enzymes and trace metals like iron, cobalt, and manganese catalyse free radical reactions in cells and tissues.
    • Cell lifespan is limited, observed initially in fibroblast cultures in 1961.

    Aging Research Timeline

    • Key events and discoveries in aging research are shown in a timeline.
    • Caloric restriction was shown to extend lifespan in mice and rats.
    • Heterochronic parabiosis (sharing blood circulation) extends the lifespan of the older mouse and reduces the lifespan of the younger mouse in studies.

    Cellular Senescence

    • Senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest state.
    • Cells undergo this response to various stressors, including oxidative stress and DNA damage.
    • Senescent cells have both beneficial and detrimental effects depending on the context and stage of development.

    Telomeres

    • Telomeres are DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.
    • Telomere shortening is linked to aging and the control of cell division.

    Genomic Instability

    • Genomic instability is characterized by DNA damage and alterations.
    • DNA damage activates DNA damage response pathways like p53-p21.
    • Accumulated genomic mutations are linked to aging, in individuals with long lifespans fewer somatic and germ-cell mutations have been noted.
    • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is more susceptible to damage due to high oxidative stress.

    Mitochondrial Dysfunction

    • Mitochondrial damage contributes to aging.
    • Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) play a role in cellular communication and may affect aging.
    • Proteins like humanin, MOTS-c, and SHLP2 are associated with mitochondrial function and ageing.

    Epigenetic Alterations

    • Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, occur during aging.
    • These alterations can impact gene expression and influence aging processes.

    Inflammation and Aging

    • Endogenous cellular DNA contributes to inflammation processes.
    • Inflammation is linked to age-related diseases.

    Successful Aging

    • Successful aging involves multiple factors, including physical, cognitive, and social well-being.
    • Loneliness is a significant factor negatively impacting successful aging.

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    Related Documents

    Molecular Mechanisms of Aging Lecture Notes PDF
    Advanced Therapeutic Technology Lecture 5 & 6 PDF

    Description

    Explore the intricate molecular mechanisms behind aging, focusing on free radical damage and the role of oxidative stress. This quiz covers key discoveries in aging research, including caloric restriction and cellular senescence. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence lifespan and cellular behavior.

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