Small RNAs and enzymes that provide their biogenesis and functioning are involved in the organism development and coordination of biological processes, including metabolism, maintaining genome integrity, immune and stress responses. In this review, we focused on the role of small RNA biogenesis proteins in determining the aging and longevity of animals and human. A number of studies have revealed that changes in expression profiles of key enzymes, in particular proteins of the Drosha, Dicer and Argonaute families, are associated with the aging process, as well as with some age-related diseases and progeroid syndromes. Down-regulation of small RNA biogenesis proteins leads to global alterations in the expression of regulatory RNAs, disruption of key molecular, cellular and systemic processes, which leads to a lifespan shortening. In contrast, overexpression of Dicer prolongs lifespan and improves cellular defense. Additionally, the role of small RNA biogenesis proteins in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, including cancer, inflammaging, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular, metabolic and immune disorders, has been conclusively evidenced. Recent advances in biomedicine allow using these proteins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

提供其生物发生和功能的小RNA和酶参与生物发展和协调生物过程，包括代谢，维持基因组完整性，免疫和应激反应。在这篇综述中，我们集中于小RNA生物发生蛋白在确定动物和人类寿命和寿命中的作用。大量研究表明，关键酶（特别是Drosha，Dicer和Argonaute家族的蛋白质）表达谱的变化与衰老过程以及某些与年龄有关的疾病和早衰综合症有关。小RNA生物发生蛋白的下调导致调节性RNA的表达发生全局变化，破坏关键的分子，细胞和系统过程，从而导致寿命缩短。相反，Dicer的过度表达可延长寿命并改善细胞防御能力。另外，已经证实了小RNA生物合成蛋白在与年龄有关的疾病的发病机理中的作用，包括癌症，发炎，神经退行性疾病，心血管，代谢和免疫疾病。生物医学的最新进展允许将这些蛋白质用作诊断和预后生物标志物以及治疗靶标。