Redox theory of aging.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Dean P Jones, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2015-04-02
• Publisher: Elsevier: Creative Commons
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2015.03.004
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Redox Biology
• ISSN: 2213-2317
• Volume: 5
• Start Page: 71
• End Page: 79
• Grant/Funding Information: Research support provided by NIH Grants AG038746, ES023485, HL113451, ES009047 and ES019776.
• Keywords: Redox systems biology; Oxidative stress; Redox signaling
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, General; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Metazoan genomes encode exposure memory systems to enhance survival and reproductive potential by providing mechanisms for an individual to adjust during lifespan to environmental resources and challenges. These systems are inherently redox networks, arising during evolution of complex systems with O2 as a major determinant of bioenergetics, metabolic and structural organization, defense, and reproduction. The network structure decreases flexibility from conception onward due to differentiation and cumulative responses to environment (exposome). The redox theory of aging is that aging is a decline in plasticity of genome-exposome interaction that occurs as a consequence of execution of differentiation and exposure memory systems. This includes compromised mitochondrial and bioenergetic flexibility, impaired food utilization and metabolic homeostasis, decreased barrier and defense capabilities and loss of reproductive fidelity and fecundity. This theory accounts for hallmarks of aging, including failure to maintain oxidative or xenobiotic defenses, mitochondrial integrity, proteostasis, barrier structures, DNA repair, telomeres, immune function, metabolic regulation and regenerative capacity.