Hulya Ozudogru

Mersin University/ Epigenetic Coaching, Turkey

Title: Can We Chemically Reprogram Aging? Decoding the Biochemistry of Longevity

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Biography

Hulya Ozudogru graduated from Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology in 2004. After graduation, she worked in the genetic laboratory until 2006. Then she worked as an embryologist in Adana, IVF centre for 5 years. Later, with the IVF experiences, she pursued a master's degree at Mersin University's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, in 2011. Before graduating, she worked as a volunteer lecturer at Sahlgrenska University Hospital IVF Clinic in Gothenburg, Sweden. She started to work as a biologist at Mersin University Hospital in 2015. During the pandemic, Hülya worked as a responsible biologist in the COVID-19 laboratory, conducting PCR studies. After the laboratory experiences she was appointed as a lecturer at Mersin University Vocational School of Health Services in 2022. In 2024, she started her PhD programme at Mersin University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry and continues her academic career. During this process, she has started epigenetic coaching trainings that certified CPD Program from Dr. Gulsen Meral who is the founder of the Nutrigenetics and Epigenetics Association. Hulya continues to improve herself in the fields of Epigenetics, Nutrigenetics and Biochemistry. She still teaches her students actively in the fields of histology and biochemistry.

Abstract

Aging is a complex biological process driven by molecular damage accumulation, metabolic dysregulation, and cellular senescence. The understanding longevity has been one of the most necessary research fields in the current century. Longevity, investigates how healthy aging can be achieved, including individuals who are genetically at higher risk for certain diseases, while also focusing on efforts to reverse the detrimental effects of aging and extend lifespan. Knowing the role of genetic, epigenetic, molecular and environmental regulatory factors in understanding different theories of aging and mechanisms of aging can contribute to the development of appropriate diagnosis, treatment and preventive. Epigenetic mechanisms manipulate various biological and psychological processes through regulations of relevant gene expressions. One of the most conserved signs of aging is epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and extracellular RNAs. Numerous biological processes and markers are important in the development of aging, but epigenomic changes are particularly notable due to their significance in gene regulation and cellular identity. 

Inside the cell nucleus, DNA is wrapped around histone proteins and exists in a compact, packaged structure.  Throughout human development, exposure to various environmental factors such as stress, toxins, and nutrition, dynamically influences the number and structure of histones. This is where other biochemical processes come into play. One such process is the acetylation of histones, which causes the packaged structure to loosen, leading to increased expression of the genes in that region. In other words, the structural or functional protein, hormone, or enzyme encoded by the gene is synthesized in greater amounts.

Conversely, the removal of acetyl groups from histone tails—a process known as deacetylation—results in reduced gene expression. In this case, the necessary structural or functional protein, hormone, or enzyme may be synthesized in lesser amounts. This is often referred to as gene silencing. There are many chemicals that can be added to or removed from histone proteins, such as phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and various others, all of which can cause histone modification. Histone modifications represent a dynamic and complex strategy for either reducing or increasing gene expression.  

The second epigenetic process of critical importance during human life is DNA methylation. The addition of a methyl chemical group to cytosines within the DNA sequence represents a more stable and permanent epigenetic modification. When cytosines are methylated, DNA generally becomes less accessible. DNA methylation can be considered a process that leads to gene silencing. The diversity of cell types in our body is produced through this epigenetic process, which enables the formation of differentiated neurons, blood cells, or muscle cells, for example, that are genetically identical but significantly differ in their epigenetic profiles. Thus, the epigenetic character of a cell determines its gene expression pattern, thereby defining the cell's phenotype, and its characteristics.

This presentation explores the feasibility of "chemically reprogramming" aging through small molecules, senolytics, and metabolic modulators. It evaluates current breakthroughs (e.g., mTOR inhibitors, sirtuin activators, AMPK stimulators) and their potential to extend healthspan. Also this study will attempt to demonstrate the biochemical effects of histone modifications and DNA methylation on epigenetic changes that have an impact on longevity.