Targeting tissue-specific metabolic signaling pathways in aging: the promise and limitations

Protein Cell. 2014 Jan;5(1):21-35. doi: 10.1007/s13238-013-0002-3. Epub 2014 Jan 29.

Abstract

It has been well established that most of the age-related diseases such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and atherosclerosis are all closely related to metabolic dysfunction. On the other hand, interventions on metabolism such as calorie restriction or genetic manipulations of key metabolic signaling pathways such as the insulin and mTOR signaling pathways slow down the aging process and improve healthy aging. These findings raise an important question as to whether improving energy homeostasis by targeting certain metabolic signaling pathways in specific tissues could be an effective anti-aging strategy. With a more comprehensive understanding of the tissue-specific roles of distinct metabolic signaling pathways controlling energy homeostasis and the cross-talks between these pathways during aging may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic interventions not only for metabolic dysfunction but also for aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Autophagy
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Organ Specificity
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases