GENETIC-CONTROL OF THE AGING PROCESS - A REVIEW AND INTERPRETATION

The process of aging is under genetic control. The traditional view de rived from evolutionary biology is that aging is a polygenic trait, co ntrolled by a large number of genes, each with a small additive effect . An alternative point of view is presented here, which suggests that there may be only a few master genes that control aging. These could i nclude protective genes that ensure accuracy of protein synthesis and protect against free radical damage, as well as genetic control switch es that initiate or delay the aging process. As genetic technology adv ances and the human genome is mapped, our understanding of genes that control aging and age-related diseases may advance to the point that g ene therapy becomes possible.