Mitoepigenetic targeting of age-related dysfunction: mechanisms, therapeutic avenues, and transgenerational implications

Mitochondrial epigenetics, a burgeoning field bridging mitochondrial biology and epigenetic regulation, has emerged as a critical determinant of aging and age-related diseases. While nuclear epigenetics is well-characterized, the mechanisms governing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regulation, including nucleoid dynamics, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and metabolite-driven modifications, remain underexplored. This review synthesizes evidence that mitochondrial epigenetics influences cardiovascular pathogenesis through altered DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns, which dysregulate oxidative phosphorylation and nucleoid stability. In neurodegenerative diseases, endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial contact points, disrupted by aging, impair calcium homeostasis and promote neuronal apoptosis, while oxidative stress exacerbates mtDNA instability through inefficient repair mechanisms. Cancer cells exploit mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming, where shifts in acetyl-CoA and α-ketoglutarate levels modulate epigenetic enzymes, fostering drug resistance. Potential therapeutic targets include pharmacological modulation of Mitochondrial transcription factor A acetylation/phosphorylation to enhance mtDNA transcription and dietary interventions to boost NAD+ levels, thereby improving mitochondrial function. Transgenerational studies reveal matrilineal inheritance of mtDNA methylation patterns and stress-induced epigenetic memory, though technical limitations in detecting mtDNA methylation persist. Clinically, mitochondrial epigenetic biomarkers like mtDNA hydroxymethylation and lncRNA expression (e.g., Mitoregulin) show promise for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Despite advances, challenges include standardizing methods for mtDNA methylation analysis and translating preclinical findings into therapies. This perspective review underscores the need for integrative approaches combining single-cell sequencing and CRISPR-based technologies to dissect mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk, ultimately paving the way for precision medicine strategies targeting mitoepigenetic pathways to mitigate age-related decline.