What can progeroid syndromes tell us about human aging?

D Kipling, T Davis, EL Ostler, RGA Faragher - Science, 2004 - science.org
D Kipling, T Davis, EL Ostler, RGA Faragher
Science, 2004science.org
Human genetic diseases that resemble accelerated aging provide useful models for
gerontologists. They combine known single-gene mutations with deficits in selected tissues
that are reminiscent of changes seen during normal aging. Here, we describe recent
progress toward linking molecular and cellular changes with the phenotype seen in two of
these disorders. One in particular, Werner syndrome, provides evidence to support the
hypothesis that the senescence of somatic cells may be a causal agent of normal aging.
Human genetic diseases that resemble accelerated aging provide useful models for gerontologists. They combine known single-gene mutations with deficits in selected tissues that are reminiscent of changes seen during normal aging. Here, we describe recent progress toward linking molecular and cellular changes with the phenotype seen in two of these disorders. One in particular, Werner syndrome, provides evidence to support the hypothesis that the senescence of somatic cells may be a causal agent of normal aging.
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