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Genetic Control of the Aging Process: A Review and Interpretation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Hildegard E. Enesco
Hildegard E. Enesco
Affiliation:
Concordia University
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Abstract

The process of aging is under genetic control. The traditional view derived from evolutionary biology is that aging is a polygenic trait, controlled by a large number of genes, each with a small additive effect. An alternative point of view is presented here, which suggests that there may be only a few master genes that control aging. These could include protective genes that ensure accuracy of protein synthesis and protect against free radical damage, as well as genetic control switches that initiate or delay the aging process. As genetic technology advances and the human genome is mapped, our understanding of genes that control aging and age-related diseases may advance to the point that gene therapy becomes possible.

Résumé

Le processus de vieillissement est sous contrôle génétique. Le point de vue traditionnel, dérivé de la biologie évolutive, est que le vieillissement est un trait polygénique, contrôlé par un grand nombre de gènes, chacun avec un effet additif. Un autre point de vue est développé ici, en ajoutant qu'il y a un nombre limité de gènes importants dans le contrôle du vieillissement. Ces derniers peuvent inclure les gènes protecteurs qui assurent l'exactitude de la synthèse de protéines et aussi les gènes qui servent à activer ou à retarder le processus de vieillissement. On continue à développer la technologie génétique afin de faire la carte complète du génome humain. Ces percées offrent la possibilité de comprendre les mécanismes génétiques du vieillissement et même d'envisager la thérapie génétique pour les maladies associées au vieillissement.

Keywords

GenesAging Senescence.Gênesvieillissementsénescence.
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 15 , Issue 1 , Spring/printemps 1996 , pp. 16 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1996

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