Until recently, central dogma in generics has supported genetic determinism in mechanisms of aging. Since epigenetics is now regarded as another important factor for aging, aging mechanisms cannot be fully explained only by genetic factors. Epigenetic...
Until recently, central dogma in generics has supported genetic determinism in mechanisms of aging. Since epigenetics is now regarded as another important factor for aging, aging mechanisms cannot be fully explained only by genetic factors. Epigenetics can be defined as phenotypic changes caused by mechanisms that are not related to changes in DNA sequence itself. Two major mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone modification. In addition, RNA interference, related to all steps of protein production, can also be considered part of epigenetics. Herein we review the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of aging and focus on the role of epigenetics in aging. Increased understanding of aging process will enable us to prevent and treat age-related diseases.