Journal Name: Aging Cell
Journal Type: Q1
ISSN: 14749718, 14749726
Country: United Kingdom
Subject Area and Category: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology Aging Cell Biology
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Research Ranking: 46
Publication Type: Journals
H-Index: 181
Coverage: 2002-2025
Editors-in-Chief: Monty Montano
Research Impact Score: 5.2
Impact Factor: 8
SCIMAGO SJR: 2.904
APC Cost: $3,350
Submission Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14749726
Contact Email: padams@sbpdiscovery.org
Address: 57 Waterloo Road London SE1 8WA United Kingdom
Overview
Aging is a natural, inevitable process, but understanding how our cells age can unlock the secrets to longer, healthier lives. The term "Aging Cell" refers to both the biological concept of cellular aging and the well-known scientific journal that explores this field. This article dives deep into the science of aging cells, the causes of cellular deterioration, and cutting-edge research aiming to slow or even reverse the aging process.
What is an Aging Cell?
An aging cell is one that has experienced functional decline over time. As we grow older, our cells undergo cellular senescence — a state where cells stop dividing and begin to secrete inflammatory factors, damaging neighboring cells. This process contributes to age-related diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Key indicators of an aging cell include:
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Telomere shortening
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DNA damage
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Mitochondrial dysfunction
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Epigenetic alterations
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Reduced proteostasis (protein balance)
These cellular changes not only impact individual cell health but also accelerate the aging of tissues and organs.
Why Cellular Aging Matters
Understanding how and why cells age is essential for developing anti-aging therapies, improving healthspan (the healthy years of life), and preventing chronic diseases. Scientists now believe that by targeting cellular mechanisms, it’s possible to delay aging and enhance quality of life.
Recent Research & Breakthroughs
The journal "Aging Cell", a leading peer-reviewed publication, regularly features studies on cellular aging, regenerative medicine, and molecular biology. Recent breakthroughs include:
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Senolytics: Drugs that selectively remove senescent cells to improve tissue function.
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Telomerase activation: Enzymes that can extend telomeres, potentially reversing cellular aging.
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CRISPR gene editing: Tools that correct age-related genetic mutations at the DNA level.
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NAD+ boosters: Supplements that support mitochondrial health and cellular energy.
These developments signal a future where aging may not only be slowed but potentially treated like a disease.
Natural Ways to Support Healthy Cells
While science advances, individuals can take steps to maintain cellular health through lifestyle choices:
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Regular exercise
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A diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats
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Stress reduction techniques
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Quality sleep
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Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol
These habits help minimize oxidative stress and inflammation, two key drivers of cellular aging.
About
Aging is a natural biological process, and at the heart of it lies the behavior of aging cells. Also known as senescent cells, these aging cells stop dividing and begin to deteriorate over time. While this may seem like a simple part of getting older, the process of cellular aging plays a key role in the overall aging of the human body—and it's a hot topic in modern health and longevity research.
What Are Aging Cells?
Aging cells are cells that have permanently stopped dividing but do not die off. This condition is called cellular senescence. While it can be a protective mechanism against cancer (by preventing damaged cells from reproducing), it can also cause harm when too many senescent cells accumulate in the body.
Over time, these cells release harmful substances like inflammatory molecules, growth factors, and enzymes. This mix, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), can damage surrounding healthy cells, tissues, and even contribute to age-related diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Causes of Cellular Aging
Several factors can cause a cell to become senescent:
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DNA damage from radiation, toxins, or oxidative stress.
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Telomere shortening, the gradual loss of protective caps at the ends of chromosomes during each cell division.
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Oncogene activation, which can signal a cell to stop dividing.
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Chronic inflammation and environmental stress.
Each of these triggers can push a healthy cell into senescence, starting a chain reaction that affects nearby tissues.
The Role of Senescent Cells in Aging and Disease
As we age, the number of senescent cells in our bodies increases. Unlike healthy cells that divide and renew, senescent cells linger and promote inflammation. This can lead to:
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Tissue dysfunction
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Slower wound healing
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Weakened immune system
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Higher risk of chronic diseases
Moreover, recent studies have shown that clearing these senescent cells can improve health and potentially extend lifespan in laboratory animals. This discovery has sparked hope in the anti-aging research community.
New Frontiers: Anti-Aging Therapies and Senolytics
Scientists are actively exploring ways to combat the negative effects of cellular aging. One promising area is senolytic drugs—compounds designed to selectively remove senescent cells from the body. Early trials have shown improvements in physical function, skin health, and even cognitive abilities.
In addition, lifestyle choices play a critical role in slowing down cellular aging. Regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, quality sleep, and stress management can reduce cellular stress and delay senescence.
Scope
Aging Cell is a leading peer-reviewed scientific journal that plays a pivotal role in the field of gerontology, specifically focusing on the mechanisms of aging at the cellular and molecular levels. Established as an authoritative source of high-impact research, Aging Cell provides a comprehensive platform for scientists exploring the complex biological processes that drive aging and age-related diseases.
Understanding the Scope of Aging Cell
The journal’s primary objective is to publish groundbreaking research that enhances our understanding of the aging process and helps identify potential interventions to promote healthy aging. The scope of Aging Cell includes, but is not limited to:
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Cellular senescence
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Mitochondrial dysfunction
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Genomic instability
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Epigenetic alterations
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Loss of proteostasis
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Nutrient sensing
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Stem cell exhaustion
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Inflammation and immune aging
By addressing these core aspects of aging biology, Aging Cell seeks to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical applications.
Target Audience
Aging Cell targets a wide range of readers in the scientific and medical communities, including researchers, academic professionals, and pharmaceutical companies. It also attracts policy makers and biotechnologists working in the fields of regenerative medicine, anti-aging therapies, and biogerontology.
Types of Articles Published
The journal publishes a variety of article types such as:
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Original Research Articles
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Reviews and Mini-Reviews
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Editorials and Commentaries
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Perspective Articles
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Methodological Papers
Each article is rigorously peer-reviewed to maintain scientific integrity and relevance.
Why Aging Cell Stands Out
What makes Aging Cell stand out is its commitment to publishing high-quality, innovative research that significantly contributes to the field of aging. It is affiliated with the Anatomical Society and is published by Wiley, adding to its credibility and scholarly impact. The journal also boasts a strong impact factor, reflecting the quality and citation potential of its published work.
Contribution to Science and Society
Research featured in Aging Cell has the potential to revolutionize the way we understand aging. Studies published in the journal often lead to novel approaches in delaying aging, enhancing longevity, and preventing age-associated diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.
The insights gained from these studies are critical not just for the elderly population but for designing public health strategies and personalized medicine approaches aimed at improving life quality in older adults.