Role of the endoplasmic reticulum in mechanisms of aging and formation of senescent cells

The role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in aging processes has not attracted much attention of researchers, while this structure plays one of the central roles in the processes of intracellular synthesis. Summarizing the data presented in this review, we can conclude that the number of polysomes is directly related to the production of proteins required by the cell. In turn, polysomes responsible for the production of specialized proteins are associated with the ER of highly differentiated cells. At the same time, proteins necessary for the functioning of cellular infrastructure are translated on free polysomes, which are not associated with the ER. During aging, an increase in the quantity or surface area of ER was also observed in cells, especially in senescent cells. Summarizing these data we can conclude that cell aging is directly related to changes in their ER, which lead to inhibition of the production of proteins necessary for the operation of cellular infrastructure. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish two targets for reducing age-related processes. These should be actions aimed at changing the ratio between ER-bound and free polysomes in favor of the last ones. The second goal is to regulate the amount of ER by enhancing membrane exchange in the cell. Together, these effects will be aimed at preserving the infrastructural base of cells, at least delaying their age-related degradation. As research progresses, unraveling the complex interplay between intracellular membranes and aging holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat age-related diseases and promote longevity.