Biology of Ageing

Recommended Prerequisites

Anatomy and Histology - Physiology I and II - Cell and Molecular Biology - Cell Biology of Human Development - Biochemistry.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes will be taught based on the solution of problems focused on the integration of cellular and molecular aspects on the ageing-induced deficiencies in the organs. In the TP classes, the students will present orally selected scientific papers on the main topics taught in the theoretical classes. The students should also present in group an essay on themes related to the unit's objectives. The seminar will be given on research being conducted in aging.

Learning Outcomes

This unit is focused on the biology of ageing, from the changes at the molecular and cellular level to their consequences in the organism. The relationship between aged related changes and ageing diseases will be established. The new anti-ageing therapeutics will be analyzed on the light of new ways to stop ageing and related diseases.
Topics will include ageing theories, experimental models used in their study, impact of oxidative stress in cellular functions and organs, metabolic ageing syndrome, functional changes of the immune system and central nervous systems, gene instability and longevity and ageing genetics.
The main goal is to motivate the students for biology of ageing related issues. The most recent and exciting ideas arising in ageing research will be discussed.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the Biology of Aging: Theories of aging.

2. Genetics of Aging and Longevity: Genetic mechanisms and factors influencing longevity.

3. Epigenetic Aspects of Cellular Senescence.

4. The GH/IGF-1 Axis in Aging.

5. Mitochondria in Aging.

6. Oxidative Stress in Aging.

7. Proteostasis, Quality Control, and Aging.

8. The Immune System and Aging (Immunosenescence).

9. Normal and Pathological Brain Aging: Physiological cognitive decline vs. neurodegeneration; Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

10. Stem Cell Aging: Age-related changes in function and renewal of stem cells.

11. The Role of Inflammation in Aging (Inflammaging).

12. Cancer and Aging.

13. Microbiome Changes in Aging.

14. Anti-Aging Medicine: Current Perspectives and Interventions: Therapeutic and preventive strategies to mitigate the effects of aging.

Head Lecturer(s)

Sandra Isabel Morais de Almeida Costa Cardoso

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 50.0%
Apresentação e discussão de um tema : 50.0%

Bibliography

Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Wang, Z., & Zhang, Y. "Immunosenescence: molecular mechanisms and diseases." Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2023, Volume 8, Article 181.

Ross, J. M., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., & Zhang, Y. "The 3 I's of immunity and aging: immunosenescence, inflammaging, and immune resilience." Frontiers in Aging, 2024, Volume 5, Article 1490302 (eCollection 2024).

Wang, J., Li, X., & Zhang, Y. "Immunosenescence promotes cancer development." Frontiers in Oncology, 2025, Volume 15, Article 11892258 (published March 10, 2025).

Li, X., Wang, S., & Wang, Y. "Recent Advances in Aging and Immunosenescence: Mechanisms and Interventions." Cells, 2024, Volume 13, Issue 7, Article 499.

Xu, Y., Li, X., & Zhang, Y. "Global research trends of immunosenescence: A bibliometric study." Heliyon, 2023, Volume 9, Issue 11, Article e15709.

Other selected papers.