Noncoding RNAs and Epigenetic Regulation in Aging

Aging is a major risk factor for many human diseases. Emerging studies have demonstrated that epigenetic alterations are one of the most conserved hallmarks of aging. Epigenetic remodeling can potentially modulate the aging process. Furthermore, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as miRNAs (microRNAs), siRNAs (small interfering RNAs), piRNAs (Piwi-interacting RNAs), lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs), and circRNAs (circular RNAs), have emerged as critical regulators of epigenetic regulation including alterations in DNA methylation states and modifications of histone proteins. This chapter will discuss the role of ncRNAs and epigenetic regulation in the process of aging.