What is the Origin of Aging as Signal Corruption?

The concept stems from information theory and systems biology, applying principles of communication breakdown to complex biological networks. Its clinical relevance emerged from gerontology and endocrinology studies observing the reduced sensitivity of receptors and altered pulsatility of hormone release with advancing age. This perspective views aging as a failure of information fidelity within the organism.

What is the Mechanism of Aging as Signal Corruption?

Key neuroendocrine axes, such as the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, experience signal corruption when the hypothalamus sends less precise Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses. Target tissues, like the gonads, also develop reduced receptor sensitivity, compounding the communication failure. This diminished fidelity in hormonal signaling disrupts homeostatic control, resulting in the characteristic decline in function associated with senescence.

Aging as Signal Corruption ∞ Area

Aging as Signal Corruption

Meaning

This is a conceptual framework within longevity science positing that aging is primarily driven by the progressive degradation and misinterpretation of vital biological signals. Cellular communication pathways become noisy or attenuated over time, leading to systemic dysfunction rather than simply a decline in resource availability. This corruption affects critical endocrine and paracrine loops, impairing tissue maintenance and repair.