Genetic Syndromes and Aging

Involvement of a genetic component in the phenomenon of aging has been evidenced through tinkering with the gene(s) or genomic elements and manipulating life span of experimental organisms, which understandably is further influenced by a multitude of other nongenetic factors. Genomic studies related to aging till date on experimental model organisms have suggested the involvement of several pathways and candidates in the process. Studies in different syndromes or diseases associated with premature aging, involving either single or a set of genes, have added to the notion that life span has a genetic component and certain genetic diseases enhance the process of aging. Understanding the mechanism of these genetic components and the pathways suggests that the intervention at such levels would check the process of premature aging and enhance healthy life span.