Title:p66 Shc as the Engine of Vascular Aging
VOLUME: 10 ISSUE: 6
Author(s):Francesco Paneni and Francesco Cosentino
Affiliation:Department of Clinical & Molecular Medicine, University "Sapienza", Ospedale Sant'Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy.
Keywords:p66Shc, aging, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress
Abstract:The present work is addressing the latest advances made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of vascular
aging. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the common denominator of vascular aging, endothelial
dysfunction and atherosclerosis. ROS are generated by different intracellular molecular pathways. In view of its role
in determining the redox state of the cells and their responses to free radicals, mitochondrial p66Shc protein has been regarded
as part of a putative transduction pathway relevant to endothelial integrity. Future efforts should translate our
knowledge of the mechanisms of aging and its interaction with risk factors into the development of new therapeutic
strategies to prevent age-associated cardiovascular disease.
