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Related Experiment Videos

Gerontogenes: real or virtual?

S I Rattan1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark.

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
|February 1, 1995
PubMed
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Genetic elements regulating aging, termed gerontogenes, may not be programmed but emerge from genes maintaining cellular functions. These "virtual gerontogenes" are linked to homeostasis and longevity assurance, not adaptive aging.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Gerontology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • The lifespan of organisms is considered intrinsically limited and species-specific.
  • This view implies the existence of genetic regulatory elements influencing aging.
  • The term 'gerontogenes' refers to genetic elements involved in aging and lifespan regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a new conceptualization of gerontogenes.
  • To link gerontogenes with homeostasis and longevity assurance mechanisms.
  • To reconcile the concept of gerontogenes with the non-adaptive nature of aging.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis integrating evolutionary arguments with genetic regulation.
  • Re-evaluation of the definition and function of gerontogenes.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Identification of potential candidates for 'virtual gerontogenes' based on existing evidence.

    • Main Results:

    • The existence of genes specifically for programmed aging is unlikely due to evolutionary arguments.
    • Gerontogenes are proposed to be 'virtual gerontogenes'—genes not selected for aging but whose function emerges in that context.
    • Genes involved in cellular maintenance and repair are primary candidates for virtual gerontogenes.

    Conclusions:

    • The concept of gerontogenes should be redefined to include genes involved in homeostasis and longevity assurance.
    • The involvement of these genes in aging is an emergent property, not a selected trait.
    • Genes responsible for cellular maintenance and repair are key candidates for virtual gerontogenes, offering a non-contradictory view of aging regulation.