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Understanding ageing from an evolutionary perspective.
1Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. tom.kirkwood@ncl.ac.uk
Journal of Internal Medicine
|January 30, 2008
Summary
Human longevity has a genetic basis, but aging is not programmed. Instead, it results from accumulated damage, influenced by genes controlling repair and defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Human longevity exhibits significant heritability, suggesting a genetic component.
- The genetics of aging are complex and not fully understood.
- Evolutionary theory posits that genes promoting aging are unlikely to be selected for.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the genetic and evolutionary underpinnings of human longevity.
- To understand aging as a consequence of accumulated somatic damage rather than a programmed process.
- To identify genetic factors influencing longevity, including those related to maintenance, repair, and environmental responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary theory regarding aging and longevity.
- Analysis of genetic factors influencing cellular maintenance and repair mechanisms (e.g., DNA repair, antioxidant defense).
- Consideration of evolutionary trade-offs and late-acting deleterious genes.
Main Results:
- Aging is proposed to result from the accumulation of somatic damage due to limited investment in maintenance and repair.
- Genes controlling DNA repair and antioxidant defense activities are key regulators of longevity.
- Late-acting deleterious genes and genes with early-beneficial/late-deleterious trade-offs may contribute to aging.
- Evidence suggests genes have evolved to respond to environmental changes, impacting longevity.
Conclusions:
- Longevity is influenced by complex genetic factors and evolutionary processes.
- Understanding the genetics of aging requires considering somatic damage accumulation and evolutionary pressures.
- Evolutionary insights can illuminate human life history traits like menopause.
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