Epitranscriptomics as Novel Players in Aging and Rejuvenation
With Diana Guallar
Diana researches epitranscriptomics – the epigenetic modifications to RNA and the defining step between DNA and protein translation. Broadly speaking, epitranscriptomics falls within the domain of epigenetics and the cellular reprogramming approach to aging. Currently, epitranscriptomics is not included in the hallmarks of aging. However, these reversible processes govern many interactions that occur upstream of the various hallmarks and represent a new unique target for clinical aging interventions. Epitranscriptomics regulate transposable element function, which include retrotransposons such as LINE-1 and ERV. Transposable element expression increases with age and is associated with progeroid syndromes. Diana also discovered a key editing schema involving ADAR1 that is required for cell reprogramming.In the future, she hopes to discover a method for generalized epitranscriptomic rejuvenation.