Aging and genome maintenance: lessons from the mouse?

Science. 2003 Feb 28;299(5611):1355-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1079161.

Abstract

Recent progress in the science of aging is driven largely by the use of model systems, ranging from yeast and nematodes to mice. These models have revealed conservation in genetic pathways that balance energy production and its damaging by-products with pathways that preserve somatic maintenance. Maintaining genome integrity has emerged as a major factor in longevity and cell viability. Here we discuss the use of mouse models with defects in genome maintenance for understanding the molecular basis of aging in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging* / genetics
  • Aging, Premature / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cellular Senescence
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Helicases / genetics
  • DNA Helicases / metabolism
  • DNA Repair* / genetics
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases
  • Genome*
  • Genome, Human
  • Humans
  • Longevity / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • RecQ Helicases
  • Syndrome
  • Telomere / physiology
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Werner Syndrome Helicase

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Exodeoxyribonucleases
  • DNA Helicases
  • RecQ Helicases
  • WRN protein, human
  • Werner Syndrome Helicase