Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
09:10
Measuring Single-Cell Aging with an Imaging-based Biomarker of Chromatin and Epigenetic Aging
Published on: January 30, 2026
A current genetic and epigenetic view on human aging mechanisms
Sala Ostojić1, Nina Pereza, Miljenko Kapović
1Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia. sasa@medri.hr
Collegium Antropologicum
|August 11, 2009
Summary
Aging is a genetically regulated process influenced by environment and lifestyle. This review explores genetic and epigenetic factors impacting aging mechanisms, defining it as a species-preservation mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Aging is a complex biological process with pre-determined lifespan potential.
- Environmental and lifestyle factors significantly influence the rate of aging.
- A unifying theory for aging mechanisms remains elusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genetic and epigenetic regulation of key molecular and cellular aging mechanisms.
- To provide an overview of genetic and molecular pathways involved in aging.
- To discuss aging in humans as a post-reproductive, genetically determined process.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on oxidative stress, metabolism, genome stability, epigenetic modifications, and cellular senescence.
- Analysis of data from animal models and human studies.
- Discussion of genetic influences on aging and reproduction.
Main Results:
- Identified key genetic and molecular pathways regulating aging.
- Highlighted the interplay between genetic/epigenetic factors and environmental influences.
- Emphasized aging's role in post-reproductive life, coinciding with chronic diseases.
Conclusions:
- Aging is a genetically regulated process influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors.
- Evolution prioritizes reproductive success, with aging potentially serving as a species-preservation mechanism.
- Understanding genetic and epigenetic regulation is crucial for comprehending aging and age-related diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.