What Happens to Our Bodies as We Age? New Molecular Study May Create Aging Treatments

What happens to our molecules as we age? Scientists may now have an answer. They've taken a closer look at the molecular changes that occur in our bodies as we age.

The underlying causes of human aging are largely unknown. However, growing old increases the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke, which are three of the leading causes of death. If scientists can learn a bit more about aging, they could potentially develop new treatments for these causes of death.

In this latest study, the researchers examined blood samples from 15,000 people across the world. They found 1,450 genes that are linked to aging, and also uncovered a link between these genes and factors such as diet, smoking and exercise.

The research team specifically looked for changes in gene expression, a process in which the information contained in genes is "expressed" by reading the DNA sequence and creating RNA, and subsequently proteins. By looking in blood, the researchers aimed to find easy to measure markers of human aging.

"This study has discovered many genes that change in their patterns of expression with age," said Luke Pilling, one of the researchers, in a news release. "This study has not only given insights into aging mechanisms-such as mitochondrial function-but these techniques have potential use in prediction and treatment."

The findings reveal a bit more about the process of aging. By taking a closer look at these genes, researchers may be able to develop treatments for the future.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.

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