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Sci. Aging Knowl. Environ., 26 May 2004
Vol. 2004, Issue 21, p. nf55
[DOI: 10.1126/sageke.2004.21.nf55]

NEWS FOCUS

Symphony of Errors

Sloppy proofreading of mitochondrial DNA spurs a premature demise

Esther Landhuis

http://sageke.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2004/21/nf55

Abstract: An orchestra's sound quality suffers whether each member of the cello section flubs a particular pitch or scattered violinists play random notes offkey. Similarly, cells can atrophy when they amass many identical mitochondrial DNA defects or, according to new work, multiple haphazard flaws. The findings support the much-debated theory that accumulation of assorted blunders in the mitochondrial genome underlies aging. Because this type of slip-up commonly occurs in mammals, the results could hold significance for humans.

Citation: E. Landhuis, Symphony of Errors. Sci. Aging Knowl. Environ. 2004 (21), nf55 (2004).

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Science of Aging Knowledge Environment. ISSN 1539-6150