Using whole-genome transcriptional analyses to identify molecular mechanisms of aging

Whole-genome transcriptional analyses of aging organisms and tissues have revealed changes in many genes and biological processes. A comparison of these studies reveals common age-related changes, including the downregulation of metabolic and mitochondrial function, and the upregulation of stress and immune responses. This suggests that much of the aging process might be conserved across species, although tissue- and species-specific changes also occur. These comparisons will help identify the underlying mechanisms of aging.

Section editors:Siu Sylvia Lee – Cornell University, Ithaca, USAJavier Apfeld – Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA