Genomic Instability

Definition

Genomic instability is the tendency of a cell's genetic material to accumulate damage, mutations, chromosomal changes, or other errors over time. It can involve changes to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA, chromosomes, telomeres, or the systems that normally detect and repair genetic damage. [1] [2] [3]

Why It Matters in Ageing Research

Genomic instability matters because DNA damage and repair influence cell survival, cancer risk, cellular senescence, stem-cell function, inflammation, and tissue maintenance. It is considered one of the hallmarks of ageing because lifelong exposure to internal and external sources of damage can gradually challenge the genome maintenance systems that keep cells functioning normally. [1] [2] [4] [5]

Common Confusion

• Genomic instability does not mean every cell has the same genetic damage.
• DNA damage is not always permanent; cells have multiple repair and quality-control systems.
• Genomic instability is related to cancer, but it also affects ageing biology more broadly.

Related Reading

• DNA Damage Response

References

1. López-Otín, C., et al. (2013). The hallmarks of aging. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23746838/
2. López-Otín, C., et al. (2023). Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36599349/
3. Hoeijmakers, J. H. J. (2009). DNA damage, aging, and cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19418601/
4. Vijg, J., & Suh, Y. (2013). Genome instability and aging. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23454761/
5. Maynard, S., et al. (2015). DNA damage, DNA repair, aging, and neurodegeneration. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26385091/