The Genetic and Epigenetic Arms of Human Ageing and Longevity
Elena Ciaglia,
Francesco Montella,
Valentina Lopardo,
Cristina Basile,
Roberta Maria Esposito,
Clara Maglio,
Roberta Longo,
Anna Maciag,
Annibale Alessandro Puca
Affiliations
Elena Ciaglia
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
Francesco Montella
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
Valentina Lopardo
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
Cristina Basile
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
Roberta Maria Esposito
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
Clara Maglio
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
Roberta Longo
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
Anna Maciag
Cardiovascular Research Unit, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy
Annibale Alessandro Puca
Molecular and Clinical Pathophysiology Lab, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via Salvatore Allende, 84081 Baronissi Salerno, Italy
This proposed review aims to shed light on the major genetic and epigenetic contributions to the ageing process and longevity of individuals. In this context, we summarize the state of knowledge on the most important longevity and ageing genetic variants, and their interactions with the environment, in achieving a healthy lifespan. We also explore the contribution of lifestyle and the influence of non-heritable environmental factors on ageing (i.e., epigenetics). Accordingly, we discuss the role of inflammageing as one of the major targets to overcome morbidity and mortality in older people for the maintenance of healthy ageing. This more integrated view of longevity will display not only the underlying mechanisms at play but also invites the reader to rethink both our ageing process and our attitudes toward age.
