Molecular Insights and Epigenetic Factors in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Ageing, a state of permanent cell growth arrest triggered by excessive internal or external stress, plays a pivotal role in the later life process. As organisms age, cells undergo senescence and acquire distinct characteristics, influencing various physiological processes. The intricate relationship between aging and epigenetic factors has garnered significant attention. Understanding the epigenetic landscape during aging and its interplay with cellular senescence may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms driving physiological decline and age-related pathologies.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has also emerged as a critical factor in the aging process. As the powerhouses of cells, mitochondria play a vital role in energy production and cellular homeostasis. Age-related changes in mitochondrial function, such as increased oxidative stress and impaired bioenergetics, can significantly impact cellular metabolism and contribute to the development of age-related diseases.

Moreover, the circadian rhythm, an internal clock that regulates various physiological processes, has been implicated in aging. Disruptions in circadian rhythms can lead to dysregulation of metabolic pathways, inflammatory responses, and cellular repair mechanisms, potentially exacerbating age-related declines in physiological functions.

This Special Issue aims to explore these multifaceted aspects of aging, encompassing cellular senescence, epigenetic factors, mitochondrial dysfunction, circadian rhythms, and their contributions to age-associated diseases and conditions, such as sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and neurodegeneration. Additionally, the Issue will examine potential interventions, including pharmacological therapies, exercise, nutrition, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds, that may improve longevity and promote healthy aging.

This Special Issue aims to contribute significant works in the field of “Aging and Epigenetic Factors”, focusing on the biological processes of cellular senescence and the demonstration that this physiological mechanism contributes to the onset of multiple age-related diseases.

Topics of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

• Aging and epigenetic factors;
• The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging;
• Circadian rhythm and their contribution to physiological and pathological effects in aging;
• Sarcopenia;
• Neurodegeneration and aging;
• How pharmacological therapy improves longevity and promotes lifespan;
• How exercise, nutrition, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds contribute to aging prevention.

We invite researchers to submit their original research articles, reviews, and perspectives exploring these topics and advancing our understanding of the complex interplay between cellular senescence and aging-related processes.

Prof. Dr. Tzung-Yan Lee
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• aging
• cellular senescence
• epigenetics
• genomic instability
• age-related diseases
• cardiovascular disorders
• neurodegenerative diseases
• cancer
• metabolic syndromes
• lifestyle interventions
• nutrition
• senolytic