Understanding cholesterol homeostasis and its impact on GPCR signalling in aging

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PhD; 2023; Molecular reproduction, development and genetics

Full text embargo One year up to July 2024 Aging is defined as the time-related deterioration of physiological functions necessary for survival of organisms. Despite significant progress in the extension of human lifespan due to modern medicine, improved sanitation and nutrition, the undesirable effects associated with aging have not been alleviated. There is increasing evidence that aging occurs at the cellular level and cellular senescence is a major contributing factor to the process of aging. Accumulation of cellular damage over the years results in tissue dysfunction leading to organismal aging. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular basis of aging and identify possible therapeutic intervention approaches and targets. Senescence is associated with high inflammation as well as high oxidative and nitrosative stress which causes persistent damage to cellular components such as DNA, lipids and proteins. In this study, I have examined the effect of altered cholesterol homeostasis on CXCR4 signalling during cellular senescence.