Epigenetic Regulation of Longevity in Insects

Abstract When studying aging, an important issue is that it is a complex process influenced by a large number of environmental and genetic factors. The effects of these factors are difficult to investigate because they influence and modify each other. Therefore, it is difficult to examine these factors using complex mammalian models like rodents. Thereby, a large body of biogerontological research is based on simple model organisms such as insects. Such models are particularly useful in an exceedingly complex field such as epigenetics of aging. A high degree of conservation exists between insect and mammalian genomes in terms of both epigenetic mechanisms and signalling pathways associated with aging processes. Insect models proved to be very valuable for the study of epigenetic mechanisms mediating the influence of environmental factors on development, aging, neurodegeneration, cancer and infectious disorders. Therefore, the identification of epigenetic processes underlying aging and aging-related pathological conditions in insect models would be an important step towards the further development of treatment strategies to promote human health span and longevity.