Nutrition and Metabolic Changes in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, research on senescence has gained significant momentum, especially concerning its impact on nutrient homeostasis and the cellular metabolism. Senescence, the irreversible growth arrest of cells, plays a crucial role in aging and age-related diseases. While senescent cells cease to divide, they remain metabolically active and undergo profound changes in their metabolic profile. This process is not only a hallmark of aging but also a pivotal factor in the regulation of tissue function, inflammation, and disease progression. As senescent cells accumulate in tissues over time, they secrete a variety of bioactive molecules collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can influence neighboring cells and the systemic metabolism.

The study of cellular metabolism during senescence has uncovered how nutrient utilization and metabolic pathways are altered as cells transition to this non-proliferative state. Key metabolic changes include the rewiring of the glucose and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress, which contribute to the physiological decline observed in aging tissues. Furthermore, the interplay between nutrient-sensing pathways, such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the induction of senescence has been a focal point in understanding how metabolic stress accelerates cellular aging.

This Special Issue is dedicated to exploring the relationship between senescence, nutrient metabolism, and health in humans. The topics of interest include (but are not limited to) metabolomic analyses of cellular senescence in different tissues, the impact of dietary interventions on the senescence-associated metabolic phenotype, the role of the metabolism in the immune response to senescent cells, and how nutrient-sensing pathways regulate the progression of cellular senescence. By investigating these areas, researchers can gain deeper insights into how senescence contributes to metabolic disorders, chronic diseases, and the aging process, ultimately paving the way for therapeutic interventions promoting healthy aging and combating age-related metabolic decline.

Dr. Qi Zhang
Guest Editor

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• senescence
• metabolism
• nutrient homeostasis
• aging
• SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype)