Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026
09:10
Measuring Single-Cell Aging with an Imaging-based Biomarker of Chromatin and Epigenetic Aging
Published on: January 30, 2026
8
Aging: Some theories, genetic, epigenetic and environmental considerations
María Guadalupe Rico-Rosillo1, Diego Oliva-Rico, Gloria Bertha Vega-Robledo
1Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Medicina Experimental. Ciudad de México, México
Revista Medica Del Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social
|November 6, 2018
Summary
This review explores aging theories, highlighting cellular senescence as a common outcome of molecular and epigenetic changes. It examines factors like chromatin condensation and free radicals contributing to age-related damage.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- The aging process is multifaceted, with various theories attempting to explain its mechanisms.
- Cellular senescence emerges as a common endpoint influenced by multiple interacting factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key characteristics of the aging process.
- To briefly discuss prominent theories explaining aging.
- To highlight the role of cellular senescence and molecular changes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of aging characteristics and theories.
- Analysis of molecular and epigenetic changes associated with aging.
- Examination of factors contributing to cellular senescence.
Main Results:
- Aging is a complex phenomenon not fully explained by any single theory.
- Cellular senescence is a common outcome resulting from the interaction of various aging factors.
- Molecular changes occur at genetic and epigenetic levels, including chromatin condensation.
Conclusions:
- Multiple aging theories, though incomplete individually, interact to produce cellular senescence.
- Epigenetic modifications and free radical damage, alongside mitochondrial dysfunction, are key drivers of aging and age-related diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
33.8K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
33.8K
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.9K
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...
3.9K
01:39Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
60.2K
In 1866, Gregor Mendel published the results of his pea plant breeding experiments, providing evidence for predictable patterns in the inheritance of physical characteristics. The significance of his findings was not immediately recognized. In fact, the existence of genes was unknown at the time. Mendel referred to hereditary units as “factors.”
60.2K
02:35Band Theory
17.2K
When two or more atoms come together to form a molecule, their atomic orbitals combine and molecular orbitals of distinct energies result. In a solid, there are a large number of atoms, and therefore a large number of atomic orbitals that may be combined into molecular orbitals. These groups of molecular orbitals are so closely placed together to form continuous regions of energies, known as the bands.
The energy difference between these bands is known as the band gap.
Conductor, Semiconductor,...
The energy difference between these bands is known as the band gap.
Conductor, Semiconductor,...
17.2K
02:31Scientific Laws and Theories
88.3K
Scientific Laws
88.3K
00:56Attribution Theory
13.8K
Behavior is a product of both the situation (e.g., cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of bystanders) and of the person (e.g., personality characteristics). Subfields of psychology tend to focus on one influence or behavior over others. Situationism is the view that our behavior and actions are determined by our immediate environment and surroundings. In contrast, dispositionism holds that our behavior is determined by internal factors (Heider, 1958).
13.8K