From discoveries in ageing research to therapeutics for healthy ageing

Nature. 2019 Jul;571(7764):183-192. doi: 10.1038/s41586-019-1365-2. Epub 2019 Jul 10.

Abstract

For several decades, understanding ageing and the processes that limit lifespan have challenged biologists. Thirty years ago, the biology of ageing gained unprecedented scientific credibility through the identification of gene variants that extend the lifespan of multicellular model organisms. Here we summarize the milestones that mark this scientific triumph, discuss different ageing pathways and processes, and suggest that ageing research is entering a new era that has unique medical, commercial and societal implications. We argue that this era marks an inflection point, not only in ageing research but also for all biological research that affects the human healthspan.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / drug effects
  • Aging / genetics
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Biomedical Research*
  • Circadian Clocks
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Healthy Aging / drug effects
  • Healthy Aging / genetics
  • Healthy Aging / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Longevity / drug effects
  • Longevity / genetics
  • Longevity / physiology
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Nutritional Status
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Rejuvenation / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction