Chemical Complexity and the Genetics of Aging

We examine how aging is influenced by various chemical challenges that organisms face and by the molecular mechanisms that have evolved to modulate life span in response to them. For example, environmental information, which is detected and processed through sensory systems, can modulate life span by providing information about the presence and quality of food as well as presence and density of conspecifics and predators. In addition, the diverse forms of molecular damage that result from constant exposure to toxic chemicals that are generated from the environment and from metabolism pose an informatic and energetic challenge for detoxification systems, which are important in ensuring longevity. Finally, systems of innate immunity are vital for recognizing and combating pathogens but are also increasingly seen as of importance in causing the aging process. Integrating ideas of molecular mechanism with context derived from evolutionary considerations will lead to exciting new insights into the evolution of aging.