In vivo stress reporters as early biomarkers of the cellular changes associated with progeria

Abstract

The increase in morbidities associated with the increase in life expectancy is a major challenge to society. Such age-related morbidities which include cardiovascular disease, cancer, degenerative and mental health disorders, account for 23% of the total global burden of disease. 1 Investigation into the physiological causes of degenerative diseases and ageing have been extremely helpful in identifying therapies targeted at improving human health in old age. 2 However, the biological complexity and temporal nature of the processes involved make the derivation of a reliable measure of ageing extremely difficult. 3 Research in rare diseases of premature ageing (e.g.Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, HGPS or Progeria) provides a powerful approach to understand the biological processes associated with ageing and the development of therapeutic interventions.However, the genetic complexity and phenotypic characteristics of