Exploring the Relationship of Transposable Elements and Ageing: Causes and Consequences.
Miriam Merenciano1, Anaïs Larue1,2, Chloé Garambois1
1Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, CNRS, UMR5558, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne 69100, France.
Genome Biology and Evolution
|May 15, 2025
Summary
Transposable elements (TEs) can cause ageing by disrupting cellular functions as epigenetic silencing weakens with age. This review examines the complex, dual role of TEs in the ageing process.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Ageing is a natural process involving physiological decline and increased disease risk.
- Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that can cause mutations and alter cellular functions.
- Epigenetic mechanisms normally suppress TEs, but these fail with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of transposable elements (TEs) in the ageing process.
- To review how TE activity contributes to age-related decline.
- To discuss the complex relationship between TEs and ageing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on transposable elements and ageing.
- Analysis of epigenetic regulation of TEs.
- Examination of TE-induced genomic alterations.
Main Results:
- TEs contribute to ageing by increasing genomic instability and disrupting gene expression.
- Epigenetic silencing of TEs diminishes with advancing age.
- Increased TE activity is both a cause and consequence of ageing.
Conclusions:
- Transposable elements play a significant role in the ageing process.
- Dysregulation of TEs contributes to age-related diseases.
- Targeting TE activity may offer therapeutic strategies for ageing.
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