Dr. David Sinclair on the Information Theory of Aging

On this Journal Club, hosted by Dr. Oliver Medvedik, we discuss a new paper that includes Dr. David Sinclair among its authors. We take a deep dive into this more recent aging theory, which explains aging as a loss of information that leads to old age, ill health, and ultimately death. There are researchers working on solutions to this loss of information; join us as we review this paper and see how it stacks up against other popular theories.

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[linearresonance]

Great discussion!
A few comments. This theory seems to be a great analogy, however it begins to break down when trying to apply it to the actual biology. The Yamanaka factors are DNA-binding transcription factors, and thus the “backup information” would be the DNA where the factors bind, not the previous epigenetic patterns (such as DNA methylation). However, these factors dramatically induce change in epigenetic patterns (reprogram) which then alters the cell type and/or age of the cells. Thus, it seems that actually this reprogramming should work regardless of whether the “youthful” epigenetic patterns already exist. This would also agree more with the important central dogma of biology, but with the twist that current epigenetic patterns in the cell create the semipermanent expression of age. Thanks all!

[orhanmekic]

It is obvious that this is correct theory otherwise cloning would not work, and it was Robin Holliday that first suggested this theory in 1980s.
Also why some cells may not reprogramme in some experiments is something we need to know but should not be guessing to much on.

[steveholmes]

Have iPS cells been created from senescent cells? For that matter, have they been produced from a differentiated cell of an old senescent animal? If anybody knows the answer, would you please cite the literature. Thanks.

[steveholmes]

To @: surfreadjumpsleep what you said is interesting. There is something called cell competition. This is where a cell that’s metabolically superior will overtime come to dominate a tissue. Could youre “ex Vivo created cell” be able to overtime rejuvenate a tissue. I wonder!

[surfreadjumpsleep]

Even when there is a loss of information past the point of no return, couldn't we ex vivo create a perfect DNA, epigenome cell? Then grow and repopulate. Of course easier said than done.. namely how to replace crucial cell types like neurons, immune, arterial and heart.