Intervening in aging and related diseases with gene therapy techniques.

Abstract

Aging is the primary risk factor for most chronic diseases, and the global rise in aging populations presents an escalating challenge due to functional decline and multimorbidity. Gene therapy provides a versatile framework for modulating aging-regulatory pathways, such as epigenetic regulation, telomere maintenance, and stress-response networks, with the potential to reshape aging trajectories. In this review, we provide an in-depth synthesis of the genetic and epigenetic determinants of aging and highlight advances in gene-based approaches, including genome editing, RNA modulation, and epigenetic reprogramming, all of which hold promise as geroprotective strategies. Furthermore, we discuss mechanistic insights, safety considerations, and translational frameworks, offering a broad, conceptually grounded overview to guide the development of aging gene interventions aimed at improving the healthspan and reducing age-associated dysfunction.