Researchers introduce an innovative theory of aging—Selective Destruction Theory (SDT)—that reframes the aging process as one not necessarily linked to the accumulation of cellular damage, thus contributing a fresh viewpoint to the field of gerontology.
A recently published editorial in the scientific journal Aging posits that in multicellular life forms, adjacent cells are perpetually in a state of competition.
The underlying causes of aging have been a subject of intrigue and uncertainty for many years. In 1977, Thomas Kirkwood postulated that organisms could achieve a greater fitness benefit by decreasing their investment in bodily maintenance, thus allowing them to allocate more resources to vital functions like reproduction. Consequently, the buildup of bodily damage became an unavoidable outcome, and Kirkwood’s disposable soma theory has been the prevailing model in the study of aging for several decades.
Nonetheless, as scientific knowledge about aging expands, it is becoming increasingly challenging to reconcile all aspects of aging with the notion of damage accumulation. For instance, certain genetic mutations that escalate the rate of damage accumulation have paradoxically been shown to prolong lifespan. Furthermore, breakthroughs in rejuvenation techniques, such as parabiosis and the application of Yamanaka factors, suggest that a youthful state can be reclaimed without an exorbitant energy expenditure, even in the presence of significant damage.
In this recently unveiled editorial, scholars James Wordsworth and Daryl Shanley of Newcastle University delve into their freshly published work concerning Selective Destruction Theory (SDT). According to SDT, the aging mechanism operates independently of damage accumulation and aligns with the phenomena of epigenetic rejuvenation. To expound on this, the authors employed agent-based modeling to illustrate how aging could be subject to positive selection without incurring an energetic cost.
The concept of selective destruction remains, for now, a theoretical construct. In their most advanced model, the authors have shown that if cells with slower metabolic rates were to induce epigenetic modifications in cells with faster metabolic rates, slowing their metabolism rather than causing apoptosis, it would not only mitigate unnecessary cellular death but would also decrease the probability of disorders arising from cellular overactivity.
Reference: “A Novel Theory of Ageing Independent of Damage Accumulation” by James Wordsworth and Daryl Shanley, published on 28 July 2023, in the journal Aging.
DOI: 10.18632%2Faging.204956
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Selective Destruction Theory
What is the main premise of the new theory on aging introduced in the article?
The article introduces Selective Destruction Theory (SDT), a novel framework that suggests aging is not necessarily tied to the accumulation of cellular damage. According to this theory, aging could be a result of a mechanism that is independent of damage accumulation and is consistent with epigenetic rejuvenation.
Who are the researchers behind the Selective Destruction Theory?
The researchers behind this new theory are James Wordsworth and Daryl Shanley from Newcastle University. Their work is published in the scientific journal Aging.
What traditional theory on aging is challenged by Selective Destruction Theory?
The traditional theory challenged by SDT is Thomas Kirkwood’s Disposable Soma Theory, which has been the dominant model in gerontology for several decades. This theory posits that aging is an inevitable result of damage accumulation due to reduced investment in somatic maintenance.
How does Selective Destruction Theory differ from previous theories on aging?
Selective Destruction Theory suggests that aging can occur independently of cellular damage and is consistent with the phenomenon of epigenetic rejuvenation. The theory proposes that adjacent cells in multicellular organisms are in constant competition, and aging could be subject to positive selection without incurring energetic costs.
What methods did the researchers use to develop their theory?
The researchers used agent-based modeling to explore and describe how aging could undergo positive selection independent of energetic costs. This approach helped them illustrate the mechanism behind their theory.
Is the mechanism behind Selective Destruction Theory proven?
No, the mechanism is currently theoretical. However, in their most advanced model, the authors have shown that slowing down the metabolism of faster cells by cells with slower metabolic rates can reduce unnecessary cell death and decrease the likelihood of disorders caused by cellular overactivity.
What are some implications of this new theory?
The theory could potentially reshape our understanding of aging and provide new pathways for gerontological research. It may also influence future treatments and interventions aimed at extending lifespan or improving the quality of life in older populations.
More about Selective Destruction Theory
- Disposable Soma Theory Overview
- Introduction to Epigenetic Rejuvenation
- Agent-Based Modeling in Gerontology Research
- Newcastle University Researchers
- Journal of Aging Original Publication
- Thomas Kirkwood’s Original Theory on Aging
- Overview of Gerontological Theories
7 comments
So if I get this right, slowing down faster cells can actually be beneficial? That’s counterintuitive but super interesting.
Finally, something new in the field of gerontology. The disposable soma theory always seemed too simplistic to me, good to see some new perspectives!
Ok, gotta admit, most of this went over my head. But if it leads to longer, healthier lives, Im all for it.
this is seriously interesting. what are the implications for anti-aging treatments? could be huge!
Epigenetic rejuvenation aligned with this? That’s a combo I didn’t expect. Now I’m really curious to see the research thats gonna follow.
James Wordsworth and Daryl Shanley are onto something. Agent-based modeling to explain aging, that’s innovative. Cant wait to see where this goes.
Wow, this is a game changer in aging research. Never thought we’d move past the whole ‘aging is just damage’ idea, but here we are.