Chromatin Regulation in the Mechanisms that Lead to Age-Related Inflammation

Chronic, unresolved, unprovoked inflammation is a feature of aging, a contributing cause of loss of tissue function and all of the common fatal age-related conditions. The biochemistry involved in the regulation of harmful age-related inflammatory signaling is complex, to say the least. There are many contributing causes, such as the signaling of senescent cells, the mislocalization of mitochondrial DNA resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, and rising levels of other molecular debris from stressed and dying cells. How cells react in detail to inflammatory stimulation is far from fully understood. Researchers are interested in these mechanisms because it is possible that a better understanding might discover targets for intervention that can suppress only unwanted, excess inflammation. The classic signs of acute inflammation are redness, heat, pain, swelling, and loss of function. Acute inflammation in the absence of infection can also promote wound regeneration or repair, depending on the severity of the tissue damage. In contrast, the chronic, sterile inflammation that results from repeated immune stimulation over time may be the result of the degeneration of a number of receptors that activate the innate immune system in elderly individuals. A "generic" inflammatory pathway includes Inducers, Sensors, Mediators and Effectors. An example of this pathway in action would be the stimulation of Sensors, such as the Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) present on macrop...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs