Anti-aging target

The term "Anti-aging target" refers to a broad and heterogeneous category of biological molecules and pathways rather than a single, specific therapeutic target [1, 9]. It encompasses diverse mechanisms aimed at slowing the physiological decline associated with aging, including nutrient sensing (mTOR, AMPK, Sirtuins), cellular senescence (BCL-2, p16), proteostasis, and mitochondrial function [2, 6, 10]. Key specific targets within this category include the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which regulates cell growth and autophagy, and sirtuins like SIRT1, which are involved in DNA repair and metabolic regulation [2, 6]. Other prominent targets include the longevity-associated protein Klotho and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), which influence growth factor signaling and cellular health [3, 5, 7]. Therapeutic interventions in this space utilize a variety of mechanisms, such as mTOR inhibition by rapamycin or senolytic clearance of aged cells using BCL-2 inhibitors [2, 9]. Because the term encompasses multiple distinct biological entities and therapeutic goals, it is considered a functional classification for drug discovery efforts aimed at extending healthspan rather than a canonical molecular target [9, 13].

Other names

Longevity targetGeroprotective targetSenescence-associated targetHealthspan target

Mechanisms vary by specific target and include the inhibition of mTORC1 to enhance autophagy and reduce protein synthesis [2], the activation of AMPK to restore energy homeostasis [10], the activation of sirtuins to promote DNA repair [6, 13], and the selective induction of apoptosis in senescent cells (senolysis) [6, 9].