Puzzles, promises and a cure for ageing

Top Cited Papers
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Research on lab organisms such as yeast, worms and mice has encouraged the notion that lifespan is plastic, something to be manipulated genetically, with drugs or by nutritional fine-tuning. The big question is how — or whether — this work translates to the human condition. In a review, Jan Vijg and Judith Campisi discuss current knowledge about factors that limit human lifespan. They conclude that it is too early to say whether it is feasible to postpone human ageing and natural death for many decades. And they outline questions that future research needs to answer if we are to develop integrated strategies capable of increasing human health and lifespan. Recent discoveries in the science of ageing indicate that lifespan in model organisms such as yeast, nematodes, flies and mice is plastic and can be manipulated by genetic, nutritional or pharmacological intervention. A better understanding of the targets of such interventions, as well as the proximate causes of ageing-related degeneration and disease, is essential before we can evaluate if abrogation of human senescence is a realistic prospect.