Roles of the actin cytoskeleton in aging and age-associated diseases

Wing Fu Lai, Wing Tak Wong

Research output: Journal article publicationReview articleAcademic researchpeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The integrity of the cytoskeleton is essential to diverse cellular processes such as phagocytosis and intracellular trafficking. Disruption of the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton leads to age-associated symptoms and diseases, ranging from cancer to neurodegeneration. In addition, changes in the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton disrupt the functioning of not only somatic and stem cells but also gametes, resulting in aberrant embryonic development. Strategies to preserve the integrity and dynamics of the cytoskeleton are, therefore, potentially therapeutic to age-related disorders. The objective of this article is to revisit the current understanding of the roles played by the actin cytoskeleton in aging, and to review the opportunities and challenges for the transition of basic research into intervention development. It is hoped that, with the snapshot of evidence regarding changes in actin dynamics with advanced age, insights into future research directions can be attained.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101021
JournalAgeing Research Reviews
Volume58
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Actin
  • Aging
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Longevity
  • Tissue homeostasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • Ageing
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neurology

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