Molecular signs of aging: How cells reveal the passage of time

Aging is characterized by a series of molecular symptoms that reflect the gradual deterioration of cellular structures and functions. Key molecular hallmarks include genomic instability, telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, deregulated nutrient sensing, and accumulation of senescent cells. These changes compromise the cell’s ability to maintain homeostasis, leading to impaired tissue regeneration, increased susceptibility to disease, and functional decline across organ systems. Molecular symptoms often manifest long before clinical signs of aging appear, offering crucial insights into the biological aging process. Understanding these molecular features is essential for the development of interventions aimed at promoting longevity and preventing age-associated disorders.

Keywords: Biomarkers of Aging, DNA Damage, DNA modification, Epigenetic Changes, Genomic Instability, Homeostatic Imbalance, Inflammation activation,  Nutrient Sensing Deregulation, Telomere Attrition.