Key points from article :
Researchers discovered that a cellular phenomenon called cryptic transcription is elevated in aging mammalian stem cells.
It had been previously described and linked to aging in yeasts and worms.
Normal gene transcription begins in a specific location on the DNA called the promoter.
"But promoter look-alike sequences do exist in other locations, and they could start transcription and generate cryptic transcripts," said Weiwei Dang, corresponding author.
Researchers determined the level of this transcription in mice and human stem cells and cultured cells.
Young cells have mechanisms in place to prevent cryptic transcription.
In aged cells, failure of limiting the access to chromatin is facilitating the production of cryptic transcripts.
"Elevated cryptic transcription is a hallmark of mammalian aging," - Dang.
"Future studies may result in ways of reduce the pro-aging effects of cryptic transcription," said Dang.
Study by Baylor College of Medicine published in Nature Aging.
