Answering the ultimate question "what is the proximal cause of aging?"

Aging (Albany NY). 2012 Dec;4(12):861-77. doi: 10.18632/aging.100525.

Abstract

Recent discoveries suggest that aging is neither driven by accumulation of molecular damage of any cause, nor by random damage of any kind. Some predictions of a new theory, quasi-programmed hyperfunction, have already been confirmed and a clinically-available drug slows aging and delays diseases in animals. The relationship between diseases and aging becomes easily apparent. Yet, the essence of aging turns out to be so startling that the theory cannot be instantly accepted and any possible arguments are raised for its disposal. I discuss that these arguments actually support a new theory. Are any questions remaining? And might accumulation of molecular damage still play a peculiar role in aging?

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aging / genetics
  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Aging / pathology
  • Animals
  • Cell Death
  • Cellular Senescence* / drug effects
  • DNA Damage
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases