Our body functions are regulated by genetic material, DNA, which provides specific genes to produce almost everything our body needs. The building blocks of our DNA are called nucleotides.

Scientists have discovered that cell aging, or senescence, results from insufficient availability of the nucleotides.

They found that a lack of nucleotides decreases the cell’s capacity for self-repair and self-renewal, leading to the accumulation of senescent or aged cells.

Senescence is a natural process that removes damaged cells and promotes tumor suppression. Senescent cells typically destroy themselves by apoptosis or programmed cell death. Programmed cell death kicks in when the cells are damaged beyond repair, and damaged cells are removed by immune cells.

Stress and toxins create excessive cell and DNA damaging factors, such as reactive oxidative species, which promote senescence.

Excessive senescence caused by environmental factors and inadequate nutrition. It overwhelms our body’s capacity to remove them and causes an accumulation of senescent “zombie” cells, damaging surrounding cells and tissue and causing cancers.

Extreme senescence leads to premature aging and diminished function of body and mind.

Scientists are currently developing treatment options, called senolytics, to promote the removal of senescent cells before damaging their neighboring cells and causing inflammation.

Read more at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190725151018.htm

Original publication: http://www.jbc.org/content/294/27/10564