Epigenetic regulators of skin aging

Epigenetic regulators of skin aging encompass a diverse group of enzymes and molecules, including DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), and sirtuins, that control gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence (Preprints.org, 2025; MDPI, 2025). These regulators play a pivotal role in maintaining skin homeostasis by governing processes such as collagen synthesis, cellular senescence, and DNA repair (NIH, 2025). During aging, epigenetic drift leads to the silencing of youth-associated genes, such as COL1A1, and the activation of pro-inflammatory and senescent pathways, often manifested as wrinkles and loss of elasticity (Preprints.org, 2025; NIH, 2025). Therapeutic strategies involve the use of natural and synthetic modulators, such as resveratrol and dihydromyricetin, which aim to 'reset' the epigenetic clock by activating protective sirtuins like SIRT1 or inhibiting repressive methyltransferases like DNMT1 (NIH, 2025; London Dermatology Centre, 2025). While promising for rejuvenation and treating age-related skin disorders, targeting these regulators requires careful consideration of off-target effects and the complexity of the skin's epigenetic landscape (NIH, 2025).

Other names

Epigenetic modifiers of skinChromatin regulators of cutaneous agingEpigenetic clock modulators

These regulators modulate gene expression through DNA methylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation, and non-coding RNA activity. Drugs targeting these regulators typically activate sirtuins (e.g., SIRT1) to enhance DNA repair and collagen production, or inhibit DNA methyltransferases (e.g., DNMT1) to reactivate silenced regenerative genes and suppress senescence-associated pathways.