Human aging and progeria

Abstract

The notion that all aging is ultimately cell aging is a novel hypothesis and one with growing support. Recent studies in genetics and cell biology are consistent with this view. Criticism of the model is largely reflective of inadequate understanding of both the model itself and human pathology. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria is a segmental progeria that may well be an 'epigenetic mosaic' disease in which certain cell lines exhibit early cell senescence, while others are spared. The general cell senescence model of aging offers a consistent and elegant explanation of both human aging and progeria. More importantly, the model is not only testable but implies fundamental, novel and promising therapeutic avenues for both progeria and more typical age-related diseases.