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Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation02:19

Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation

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The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent...
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Epigenetic Regulation01:37

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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...
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Epigenetic Regulation01:46

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Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
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Aging01:26

Aging

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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.
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Questioning the inevitability of aging.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·2018
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Measuring Single-Cell Aging with an Imaging-based Biomarker of Chromatin and Epigenetic Aging
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An epigenetic clock controls aging.

Josh Mitteldorf1

  • 1Department of EAPS, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. josh@mathforum.org.

Biogerontology
|November 27, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Aging is genetically controlled and may be a programmed function, not just bodily decline. This suggests potential biochemical interventions to reset aging clocks and rejuvenate the body.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Aging is traditionally viewed as a degenerative process.
  • Growing evidence suggests aging is under genetic control.
  • Signaling pathways and specific molecules influence lifespan and longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reframe aging as a programmed biological function, akin to growth and development.
  • To explore the implications of aging being under genetic control.
  • To investigate the potential for biochemical interventions to modify the aging process.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing research on aging, genetics, and molecular signaling.
  • Theoretical modeling of aging as a programmed process controlled by biological clocks.
Keywords:
EpigeneticEvolutionGene expressionLife historyProgrammed agingSenescence

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  • Hypothesizing potential biochemical interventions for age-related decline.

    • Main Results:

    • Aging processes are significantly influenced by genetic factors and molecular signaling.
    • Viewing aging as a programmed function provides a coherent framework for observed phenomena.
    • The concept of aging 'clocks' (master or redundant) is supported by current evidence.

    Conclusions:

    • Aging may be a regulated biological process, not merely a series of failures.
    • The identification of aging control mechanisms opens possibilities for therapeutic interventions.
    • Biochemical manipulation of aging clocks could potentially reverse age-related damage and restore youthful function.