Stress-induced transposon reactivation: a mediator or an estimator of allostatic load?
Abstract
Transposons are playing an important role in the evolution of eukaryotic genomes. These endogenous virus-like elements often amplify within their host genomes in a species specific manner. Today we have limited understanding when and how these amplification events happens. What we do know is that cells have evolved multiple line of defenses to keep these potentially invasive elements under control, often involving epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA-methylation and histone modifications. Emerging evidence shows a strong link between transposon activity and human aging and diseases, as well as a role for transposons in normal brain development. Controlling transposon activity may therefore uphold the fine balance between health and disease. In this article we investigate this balance, and sets it in relation to allostatic load, which conceptualize the link between stress and the "wear and tear" of the organism that leads to aging and disease. We hypothesize that stress-induced retrotransposon reactivation in humans may be used to estimate allostatic load, and may be a possible mechanism in which transposons amplify within species genomes.
References
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Cell Aging
This feed focuses on cellular aging with emphasis on mitochondria, autophagy, and metabolic processes associated with aging and longevity. Here is the latest research on cell aging.
Aging Genetics (Keystone)
This feed focuses on aging epidemiology and genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic aspects underlying aging, as well as aging- associated biomarkers. Here the latest research in this domain.
Genetics & Epigenetics of Aging
Dozens of genes are implicated in lifespan, and epigenetic changes during aging affect cell function. This feed focuses on the genetics and epigenetics of aging.
Cell Aging (Keystone)
This feed focuses on cellular aging with emphasis on the mitochondria, autophagy, and metabolic processes associated with aging and longevity. Here is the latest research on cell aging.