Aging by the clock and yet without a program

Meyer, David H., Maklakov, Alexei A. and Schumacher, Björn (2025) Aging by the clock and yet without a program. Nature Aging, 5 (10). pp. 1946-1956. ISSN 2662-8465

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Abstract

The mechanisms of aging are becoming increasingly well mapped; however, there remains ongoing debate about the ultimate and proximate causes of aging. The recent development of highly precise aging clocks led to a resurgence of arguments in support of a biological program of aging. However, the declining force of natural selection after the onset of reproduction means that cellular function could deteriorate without requiring a specific program. Here, we argue that aging clocks do not imply an intrinsic program but rather reflect the stochastic accumulation of molecular errors and damage. Damage accumulates due to insufficient maintenance and repair and contributes to system-wide entropy. In support of this, cross-species comparisons indicate that enhanced DNA repair capacity is a key determinant of exceptional longevity in mammals. By better understanding the nature of the stochasticity that governs the aging process, we will have a stronger mechanistic basis for developing geroprotective interventions to promote healthy aging in humans.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	neuroscience (miscellaneous),ageing,geriatrics and gerontology ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2800/2801
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Organisms and the Environment
Related URLs:	https://www.scopus.com/pages/publication...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	15 May 2026 12:25
Last Modified:	15 May 2026 12:25
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103042
DOI:	10.1038/s43587-025-00975-2

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