Longevity Biochemistry Pathways represent the interconnected, evolutionarily conserved cellular signaling cascades that govern the rate of aging and the resilience of an organism against chronic disease. These pathways include key regulators such as mTOR, AMPK, sirtuins, and the insulin/IGF-1 axis, which collectively integrate nutrient availability, energy status, and stress signals to modulate cellular repair, metabolism, and survival. Clinical strategies targeting these pathways aim to promote healthspan by enhancing cellular housekeeping and stress resistance mechanisms. Understanding these cascades is foundational to the science of healthy aging.
Origin
This term is rooted in molecular biology and gerontology, arising from decades of research identifying specific genes and proteins that, when manipulated, extend lifespan and healthspan in model organisms. The concept of “pathways” emphasizes the complex, regulated flow of biochemical information rather than single-point control. Longevity is viewed as a dynamic, regulated process governed by these internal biochemical switches.
Mechanism
These pathways function as central metabolic sensors, responding to changes in energy status, nutrient intake, and cellular stress. For example, nutrient restriction activates AMPK and sirtuins, which subsequently inhibit mTOR activity and promote autophagy, a cellular self-cleaning process. This shift from growth and storage to maintenance and repair is a conserved mechanism for extending cellular lifespan. By modulating these biochemical switches, clinicians can influence the balance between anabolic and catabolic processes to favor cellular resilience.
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