Mitochondria in the signaling pathways that control longevity and health span

Mansour Akbari, Thomas B L Kirkwood, Vilhelm A Bohr

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

132 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Genetic and pharmacological intervention studies have identified evolutionarily conserved and functionally interconnected networks of cellular energy homeostasis, nutrient-sensing, and genome damage response signaling pathways, as prominent regulators of longevity and health span in various species. Mitochondria are the primary sites of ATP production and key players in several other important cellular processes. Mitochondrial dysfunction diminishes tissue and organ functional performance and is a commonly considered feature of the aging process. Here we review the evidence that through reciprocal and multilevel functional interactions, mitochondria are implicated in the lifespan modulation function of these pathways, which altogether constitute a highly dynamic and complex system that controls the aging process. An important characteristic of these pathways is their extensive crosstalk and apparent malleability to modification by non-invasive pharmacological, dietary, and lifestyle interventions, with promising effects on lifespan and health span in animal models and potentially also in humans.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100940
JournalAgeing Research Reviews
Volume54
ISSN1568-1637
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

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