Related Experiment Videos
Oxidative and other DNA damages as the basis of aging: a review
G E Holmes1, C Bernstein, H Bernstein
1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059.
Abstract:
DNA damages occur continuously in cells of living organisms. While most of these damages are repaired, some accumulate. In particular, there is evidence for DNA damage accumulation in non-dividing cells of mammals. These accumulated DNA damages probably interfere with RNA transcription. We consider that the decline in the ability of DNA to serve as a template for gene expression is the primary cause of aging. Oxidative DNA damages are among the best documented and prevalent DNA damages and are likely to be a prominent cause of aging.
Insights
Cellular DNA damage accumulates, especially in non-dividing cells, impairing gene expression and driving the aging process. Oxidative DNA damage is a key contributor to aging.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Gerontology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- DNA damage is a continuous process in living organisms.
- Accumulation of DNA damage occurs, particularly in mammalian non-dividing cells.
- Accumulated DNA damage may disrupt RNA transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of accumulated DNA damage in cellular aging.
- To propose a mechanism linking DNA damage to the aging phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on DNA damage accumulation.
- Analysis of the impact of DNA damage on gene expression.
- Focus on oxidative DNA damage as a significant factor.
Main Results:
- DNA damage accumulates in non-dividing cells.
- Accumulated DNA damage interferes with RNA transcription.
- Decline in DNA's template function for gene expression is linked to aging.
Conclusions:
- The primary cause of aging is the decline in DNA's ability to serve as a template for gene expression.
- Oxidative DNA damages are a prominent cause of aging due to their prevalence and documentation.