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Programmed versus non-programmed evolution of aging. What is the evidence?
Reinald Pamplona1, Mariona Jové1, José Gómez2
1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida Biomedical Research Institute (IRBLleida), E25198 Lleida, Spain.
Experimental Gerontology
|April 2, 2023
Summary
Evolutionary theories of aging explore programmed aging (PA) versus non-programmed aging (non-PA). Most evidence supports programmed aging as the primary driver of longevity, with non-PA mechanisms potentially contributing.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Gerontology
- Molecular mechanisms of aging
Background:
- The evolutionary basis and molecular mechanisms determining lifespan remain largely unknown.
- Diverse theories, including programmed aging (PA) and non-programmed aging (non-PA), attempt to explain the wide range of longevities across species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze observational and experimental data to evaluate the validity of programmed aging (PA) and non-programmed aging (non-PA) evolutionary theories.
- To synthesize recent findings concerning the biological traits and molecular mechanisms underlying longevity determination.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of extensive observational and experimental data from both field and laboratory studies.
- Examination of accumulated reasoning and evidence compatible and incompatible with PA and non-PA theories.
Main Results:
- The majority of analyzed data support the programmed aging (PA) theory.
- Evidence suggests a potential role for non-programmed aging (non-PA) mechanisms, such as antagonist pleiotropy, in specific cases.
Conclusions:
- The findings strongly favor programmed aging as the dominant evolutionary strategy for longevity.
- Non-programmed aging mechanisms may act as secondary contributors to lifespan determination in certain contexts.
Keywords:
Animal longevityEvolutionMetabolic phenotypesPro-longevity dietary interventionsRate of agingSignalling pathwaysMore Related Videos
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