The process of aging refers to the decay of an organism's structure and function, in which molecular and cellular modifications can have various effects at the individual level over the course of a lifetime. The accumulation of molecular errors that compromise adult stem cell functions occurs because of genetic and epigenetic interactions and depends on hereditary, environmental, and stochastic factors. Here we review the known genetic factors involved in aging.
Keywords: DNA repair and telomeres; Environment; Genes; Longevity; Progerias.