Biochemistry of Aging

In this chapter, we will explain that nutrition is essential for life but also one of the key environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis and progression of many chronic non-communicable diseases (Chap. 7 ). The latter principles apply also to the process of aging. In this context, we provide an overview on nutrition-sensing pathways and their relation to aging and longevity. The molecular basis of this is the sensing of glucose and amino acids via the pathways of insulin/IGF and TOR, respectively, and the integration of the nutritional and energetic status of cells and tissues. These central signal transduction pathways interact with environmental challenges mediated via multiple other pathways, in order to keep cells and tissues in homeostasis. Under conditions of dietary restriction, i.e., at reduced food intake, the lifespan of model organisms, such as yeast, worms or flies, is increased. Interestingly, signal transduction pathways related to dietary restriction show also in humans very similar regulatory principles. This insight has the potential to prevent age-related diseases and to promote healthy aging in humans.