The fundamental, evolutionarily conserved molecular and cellular pathways that directly govern the rate of biological aging, cellular maintenance, and resistance to age-related diseases. These mechanisms represent the core biological processes that determine healthspan and lifespan. Clinical interventions targeting longevity mechanisms aim to modulate these pathways to promote extended vitality and delayed onset of chronic illness.
Origin
This term is derived from the burgeoning field of Geroscience, which seeks to understand the common biological pathways linking aging to disease susceptibility. The focus shifted from treating individual diseases to targeting the underlying process of aging itself, with key pathways identified across diverse organisms. The term provides a precise, scientific framework for discussing anti-aging strategies.
Mechanism
Key longevity mechanisms include nutrient sensing pathways such as the Insulin/IGF-1 signaling cascade, which influences growth and metabolism, and the mTOR pathway, which regulates protein synthesis and cell growth. Other crucial components involve DNA repair systems, sirtuins for epigenetic regulation, and autophagy, the cellular process for clearing damaged components. Modulating the activity of these pathways, often through diet, exercise, or specific compounds, is the functional basis of many longevity protocols.
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