The heterochromatin loss model of aging

There are significant changes in gene expression that occur with cellular senescence and organismic aging. Genes residing in compacted heterochromatin domains are typically silenced due to an altered accessibility to transcription factors. Heterochromatin domains and gene silencing are set up in early development and were initially believed to be maintained for the remainder of the lifespan. Recent data suggest that there may be a net loss of heterochromatin with advancing age in both yeast and mice. The gradual loss of heterochromatin-induced gene silencing could explain the changes in gene expression that are closely linked with aging. A general model is proposed for heterochromatin loss as a major factor in generating alterations in gene expression with age. The heterochromatin loss model is supported by several lines of evidence and suggests that a fundamental genetic mechanism underlies most of the changes in gene expression observed with senescence. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.