William Feung

How are epigenetic processes related to certain age related diseases?

Started Apr. 17, 2024

Abstract or project description

Project Description Draft Based on Outline: This paper will be discussing how epigenetic processes are related to certain age related diseases, and how aging affects the functioning of epigenetic systems. With the rise in popularity of epigenetic treatments for age related diseases, this paper aims to illuminate the gene function basis for these medical interventions. The paper starts by introducing the significance of this issue as a whole, describing the increasing aging population and how this could put strain economically on pension systems, increase the burden of caregivers, and increase isolation in the aging population. Before delving into the epigenetic perspective on age related diseases, the paper will additionally explore other competing theories of biological aging, and explain why the epigenetic perspective often prevails. The paper will then connect the epigenetic processes mentioned with aging and how this affects the deterioration of epigenetic processes overall. The deterioration of epigenetic processes leads to these age related diseases, and the paper will subsequently explain the role of epigenetics in each of the common age related diseases. The epigenetics of such age related diseases will be highlighted by certain case studies conducted on mice and will underline a causal relationship between epigenetic factors and mortality from age related diseases. These case studies will also highlight the theory of biological age, and how the functioning of epigenetic processes play a large role in determining one’s biological age. The paper will conclude with arguments for how this paper can be used to understand medical interventions treating age related diseases from an epigenetics standpoint.