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Genetic theories of aging propose that aging is programmed within each individual's genes. According to this theory, genes dictate cellular longevity. Programmed cell death, or apoptosis , is determined by a "biological clock" via genetic information in the nucleus of the cell.
The somatic mutation theory of ageing states that accumulation of mutations in somatic cells is the primary cause of aging. A comparison of somatic mutation rate across several mammal species found that the total number of accumulated mutations at the end of lifespan was roughly equal across a broad range of lifespans. [16]
There are two subsets to the evolutionary theory of aging: antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis and the mutation accumulation hypothesis. The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis was tested by monitoring the age-1 gene in C. elegans. [19] The age-1 gene plays a role in senescence; nematodes with mutations in this gene live up to 80% longer. [19]
The mutation accumulation theory of aging was first proposed by Peter Medawar in 1952 as an evolutionary explanation for biological aging and the associated decline in fitness that accompanies it. [1] Medawar used the term 'senescence' to refer to this process.
A related theory is that mutation, as distinct from DNA damage, is the primary cause of aging. A comparison of somatic mutation rate across several mammal species found that the total number of accumulated mutations at the end of lifespan was roughly equal across a broad range of lifespans. [49]
Genetics of aging is generally concerned with life extension associated with genetic alterations, rather than with accelerated aging diseases leading to reduction in lifespan. The first mutation found to increase longevity in an animal was the age-1 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans .
Genetic mutation theory of aging; I. Immune system theory of aging; Inflammation theory of aging; M. Maintenance theories of aging; Mitohormesis; N. Network theory of ...
Strength of natural selection plot as a function of age. The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis (APT) is a theory in evolutionary biology that suggests certain genes may confer beneficial effects early in an organism's life, enhancing reproductive success, while also causing detrimental effects later in life, contributing to the aging process.