Aging is not programmed: genetic pseudo-program is a shadow of developmental growth

Cell Cycle. 2013 Dec 15;12(24):3736-42. doi: 10.4161/cc.27188. Epub 2013 Nov 15.

Abstract

Aging is not and cannot be programmed. Instead, aging is a continuation of developmental growth, driven by genetic pathways such as mTOR. Ironically, this is often misunderstood as a sort of programmed aging. In contrast, aging is a purposeless quasi-program or, figuratively, a shadow of actual programs.

Keywords: evolution; geroconversion; gerosuppression; rapalogs; rapamycin; selection; senescence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Cellular Senescence / genetics
  • Growth / genetics
  • Growth / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Yeasts / physiology