Precision Genome Editing for Healthy Aging: Unlocking Genetic Pathways to Longevity

Aging research has entered a transformative era with the advent of genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, which enable precise and efficient genetic modifications. The field of anti-aging science increasingly focuses on understanding how genetic and epigenetic mechanisms contribute to cellular senescence, tissue degeneration, and the onset of age-related diseases. Although significant progress has been made in mapping genes and molecular pathways associated with aging, existing strategies for intervention remain limited in their precision and scalability. Current debates centre on the potential and limitations of genome editing to modulate complex, multifactorial aging processes while maintaining safety and ethical integrity. Despite recent breakthroughs, there remains a pressing need to understand the long-term implications of manipulating aging-related genes and how such interventions can be optimized for different biological systems.This Research Topic aims to explore how genome editing can be strategically applied to delay or reverse aging processes and extend healthspan. Specifically, it seeks to examine how modern genome editing tools - such as CRISPR-Cas9, prime editing, and base editing - can be harnessed to target the molecular pathways that regulate cellular aging, DNA repair, and metabolic stability. Central questions include how genetic modifications can enhance resilience to oxidative stress, maintain telomere length, and slow down epigenetic drift. The goal is to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges molecular biology, biotechnology, ethics, and translational medicine to chart a path toward safe and effective anti-aging interventions.To gather further insights into the therapeutic promise and challenges of genome editing in anti-aging, we welcome research that addresses both foundational and applied perspectives. Topics of interest may include molecular mechanisms underlying edited gene function, translational studies, and regulatory and ethical frameworks for clinical application.We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Gene targeting in anti-aging research- CRISPR-Cas9 in combating age-related diseases- Epigenetic modifications for healthy aging- Genome editing to delay cellular senescence- Telomere maintenance via genome editing- Mitochondrial DNA editing for anti-aging- Ethical considerations in anti-aging genome editing- Regulatory and policy aspects of genome editing for healthy aging- Genome editing and genetic modulation in brain aging, neurodegeneration, and age‑related brain diseases(including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive decline, and other aging‑related neurological disorders)- Traditional/complementary medicine interventions that modulate gene expression or epigenetic modifications to delay aging and treat degenerative diseasesWe encourage the submission of original research articles, review papers, and commentaries offering novel insights and perspectives on genome editing technologies for anti-aging research. Topic editors: Wenchuan Qi, Chuanfang Wu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80744/precision-genome-editing-for-healthy-aging-unlocking-genetic-pathways-to-longevity