The “hallmarks of aging” are the biochemical, genetic and physiological processes thought to contribute to the aging. These include:
- Epigenetic alterations.
- Loss of Proteostasis.
- Deregulated Nutrient Sensing.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction.
- Cellular Senescence.
- Stem Cell Exhaustion.
- Altered Intercellular Communication.
- Genomic Instability.
- Telomere Attrition.
Deeper dive
Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases; the aging processes are possible targets for the development of novel and broadly effective preventatives or therapeutics for age-related diseases, including those affecting the brain. On a cellular level, these processes or “hallmarks” are considered the core underlying machinery of how our bodies age, according to Steve Austad, PhD., co-director of the Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in the basic biology of aging at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Researchers say these hallmarks represent common denominators of aging in different organisms, with special emphasis on mammalian aging. “A major challenge is to dissect the interconnectedness between the candidate hallmarks and their relative contributions to aging, with the final goal of identifying pharmaceutical targets to improve human health during aging, with minimal side effects.”
Other research looks at these hallmarks, whether “lifespan” is a valid proxy for aging, and at alternative means to measure aging on many levels besides longevity.