Cellular Processes in the Aging Brain

Cellular Processes in the Aging Brain provides an exploration of the cellular and molecular processes underlying aging in the context of the brain. Aging is the greatest risk factor for the development of most of neurodegenerative disorders; however, the aspects of the aging process that predispose us to the development of brain pathology are largely unknown. The senescence process is an irreversible growth arrest triggered by various events including telomere dysfunction, DNA damage, oncogene activation, oxidative stress and proteasome inhibition. The presence of senescent cells in the human brain could be critical because they display an altered pattern of secretion known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a complex mixture of factors that profoundly affect neighboring cells and tissues by creating a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. This book is split into three parts, the first covers the physiological background, the second part covers basic mechanisms of cellular processes impacting the aging brain, and the third part introduces novel interventions, allowing for an understanding of the situation and paths to move forward.

Cellular Processes in the Aging Brain is the first book to look specifically at the cellular process of aging in the brain, and it will be of great use to researchers in the field of cellular senescence and neuroscience, researchers with interest in basic science and novel translational approaches and advanced students as well as research-focused clinicians.