Understanding the Aging Debate: Genes vs. Expression
Aging is a universal process, but its causes remain under scientific scrutiny. The question of whether aging stems from DNA damage (mutations) or changes in gene expression (epigenetics) has major implications for treatment.
Trey Ideker, a health sciences professor at UC San Diego, explains the distinction:
- The genome represents your DNA — the “hardware” of your biology.
- The epigenome governs gene expression — the “software” that turns genes on or off.
Much like aging hardware in a computer, DNA damage from mutations may disrupt cellular processes. Alternatively, aging could arise from errors in gene expression, which guide cells in their functions.
The Epigenetic Clock and Its Limits
The “epigenetic clock,” discovered about a decade ago, measures biological age by tracking gene expression patterns. Previous studies suggested that altering gene expression could reverse aging, offering hope for therapeutic breakthroughs.
However, Ideker and his team now caution that this view may be incomplete. Their research, published in Nature, indicates that gene mutations may drive aging, with epigenetic changes merely reflecting underlying DNA damage.
Steven Cummings, a co-author from UCSF, emphasizes the challenge this presents:
“If mutations are the true cause, reversing aging will be far more difficult than previously believed.”
Quality of Life and Future Research
While the aging debate unfolds, researchers highlight the importance of preserving quality of life. Andrea LaCroix, a UCSD epidemiologist, notes that many fear losing independence in old age more than dying itself.
Lead researcher Zane Koch underscores the value of epigenetic clocks in predicting health but suggests mutations may be their underlying driver.
Further studies aim to clarify whether mutations or expression changes are the root cause of aging. If mutations prove dominant, developing treatments may require targeting DNA repair mechanisms directly.
This ongoing research offers a new lens for understanding aging and designing interventions to improve health in later years.
