Role of Apoptosis in Aging: Therapeutic Targets and Strategies

Aging, a natural phenomenon, is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the physiological functions of an organism. The increase in life expectancy of humans has given rise to numerous aging-associated diseases. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of aging might pave the way for combating such diseases. In this chapter, we discuss the role of programmed cell death (PCD) pathways in aging, with special emphasis on apoptosis. These pathways are required for maintaining normal turnover of cells and tissue homeostasis. Improper regulation of PCD is reported to be responsible for aging and its associated diseases. Aging is characterized by an enhancement of PCD in certain cell types and a diminution in others. Aging-associated enhancement of PCD is responsible for neurodegenerative diseases, sarcopenia, loss of cardiomyocytes, and a weakening of the immune system. On the other hand, senescent cells exhibit resistance to PCD and increase in numbers during aging.