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Chemistry of ageing 2013

Gerontology has traditionally been dominated by biological research groups. In recent years, the potential impact of chemical analysis and small molecule interventions has become widely recognised, and there are now a growing number of chemists undertaking ageing research. Research into ageing spans the full range chemistry. Advanced analytical and physical techniques are being used to observe age-related changes in living organisms. Equally, novel synthetic and medicinal chemistry is generating small molecule tools for the dissection of complex biological pathways, as well as potential life- and health-span extending therapeutics.


This thematic series followed on from a series of papers on the chemistry of ageing published in 2012.


  1. During ageing an altered redox balance has been observed in both intracellular and extracellular compartments, primarily due to glutathione depletion and metabolic stress. Maintaining redox homeostasis is impo...

    Authors: Rita Barreto Duarte Carilho Torrao, Irundika HK Dias, Stuart J Bennett, Christopher R Dunston and Helen R Griffiths
    Citation: Chemistry Central Journal 2013 7:150
  2. The dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) has contrasting but beneficial effects on cellular activity. It delays cellular senescence and rejuvenates cultured senescent mammalian cells. However, it also in...

    Authors: Alan R Hipkiss, Stephanie P Cartwright, Clare Bromley, Stephane R Gross and Roslyn M Bill
    Citation: Chemistry Central Journal 2013 7:38
  3. Fibroblasts derived from the progeroid Werner syndrome (WS) show reduced replicative lifespan and a “stressed” morphology, both phenotypes being alleviated by using the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580. Becau...

    Authors: Terence Davis, Michal J Rokicki, Mark C Bagley and David Kipling
    Citation: Chemistry Central Journal 2013 7:18