Cited by 606Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model OrganismsMitochondrial Function and PathologyRedox biology and oxidative stress

Taking a good look at free radicals in the aging process

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Hekimi, Siegfried, Lapointe, Jérôme, Wen, Yang·2011·Trends in Cell Biology

Abstract

The mitochondrial free radical theory of aging (MFRTA) proposes that aging is caused by damage to macromolecules by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). This is based on the observed association of the rate of aging and the aged phenotype with the generation of ROS and oxidative damage. However, recent findings, in particular in Caenorhabditis elegans but also in rodents, suggest that ROS generation is not the primary or initial cause of aging. Here, we propose that ROS are tightly associated with aging because they play a role in mediating a stress response to age-dependent damage. This could generate the observed correlation between aging and ROS without implying that ROS damage is the earliest trigger or main cause of aging.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.tcb.2011.06.008

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  • In mitohormesis, high levels of ROS promote mtDNA damage and the aged phenotype, while low levels of ROS are signaling molecules that regulate stress response pathways and activate cellular processes that enhance lifespan.

    “In this theory, high levels of ROS promote mtDNA damage and the aged phenotype, while low levels of ROS are signaling molecules that regulate stress response pathways and activate cellular processes that enhance lifespan (Hekimi et al., 2011).”

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Authors
Hekimi, S., Lapointe, J., & Wen, Y.
Affiliations
McGill University (CA)
Corresponding author
Hekimi, Siegfried
Venue
Trends in Cell Biology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2011-10
Volume
21
Issue
10
Pages
569-576
ISSN
0962-8924 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2085525271
Cited by
606
References
90
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 45 · 2021: 43 · 2020: 46 · 2019: 43 · 2018: 49 · 2017: 43 · 2016: 51 · 2015: 38 · 2014: 48 · 2013: 57 · 2012: 39
FWCI
5.02
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Trends in Cell Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (97869_1)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Aging › Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Redox biology and oxidative stress
Keywords
reactive oxygen species, aging, oxidative damage, macromolecular damage, stress response, Caenorhabditis elegans, rodents
MeSH terms
Aging, Animals, DNA Damage, Free Radicals, Humans, Mitochondria, Models, Molecular, Mutation, Rodentia, Superoxide Dismutase, Signal Transduction, Caenorhabditis elegans, Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidative Stress

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