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Chromosome and aging: genetic conception of aging

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Abstract

The mutation level (chromosome aberrationscovering telomere regions), modifications ofchromosome structure (level of condensedchromatin identified by the methods ofelectron microscopy and differential scanningmicrocalorimetry; level of C-bandingconstitutive heterochromatin; transcriptionalactivity of DNA-dependent RNA polymeraze;Ag-positive NORs and associations ofacrocentric chromosomes) and reparation (intensity of unscheduled DNA synthesis and thefrequency of sister chromatid exchanges) havebeen studied in lymphocyte cultures fromindividuals at the age of 72–114 to revealthe chromosome functional organization at late stages of ontogenesis and to find explanations of some senile pathologies.The analysis of obtained results showed:1. Chromosome progressive heterochromatinization(condensation of eu- and heterochromatinregions) occurs at aging;2. Decrease of repair processes and increase infrequency of chromosome aberrations in agingare secondary to the progressiveheterochromatinization. Chromosomeheterochromatinization is a key factor ofaging;3. Chromosome heterochromatinization may be thereason for some senile pathologies;4. Chromosome heterochromatinization is an areawhere one should seek the ways for prolongingthe lifespan.

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  1. Department of Genetics, Tbilisi State University, 380028, Chavchavadze 1, Tbilisi, Georgia (e-mail

    Teimuraz Lezhava

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  1. Teimuraz Lezhava
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Lezhava, T. Chromosome and aging: genetic conception of aging. Biogerontology 2, 253–260 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013266411263

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