2 replies to this topic

[reason]

Some researchers believe that transposable elements in DNA are involved in the aging process, though definitive links to damage or dysfunction are presently lacking. The behavior certainly changes with increasing age, however:

Transposable elements (TEs) were discovered [in] maize and have since been found to be ubiquitous in all living organisms. Transposition is mutagenic and organisms have evolved mechanisms to repress the activity of their endogenous TEs. Transposition in somatic cells is very low, but recent evidence suggests that it may be derepressed in some cases, such as cancer development.

We have found that during normal aging several families of retrotransposable elements (RTEs) start being transcribed in mouse tissues. In advanced age the expression culminates in active transposition. These processes are counteracted by calorie restriction (CR), an intervention that slows down aging. Retrotransposition is also activated in age-associated, naturally occurring cancers in the mouse. We suggest that somatic retrotransposition is a hitherto unappreciated aging process. Mobilization of RTEs is likely to be an important contributor to the progressive dysfunction of aging cells.

Link: http://www.impactagi...ull/100621.html

View the full article at FightAging

[niner]

Could this be an 8th form of aging damage that SENS will need to address, or is it just a consequence of the other seven? The late-life acceleration of the process suggests that it's the latter. It might still be a good idea to develop countermeasures.

[Marios Kyriazis]

We have been researching the role of transposons in aging (specifically in radical life extension), and came up with some interesting facts, although it is too early yet to present anything solid. It is a very promising area of research in any case. Here (http://www.elpisfil.org/page4.htm) is a draft copy of the initial research. In addition we have some more recent research and I can send it to whoever is interested

Edited by Marios Kyriazis, 10 December 2013 - 05:48 PM.