Abstract
Free circulating or cell-free DNA (cfDNA), possibly from dying cells that release their contents into the blood as they break down, have become of major interest as a source for noninvasive diagnostics. Recent work demonstrated the uptake of human cfDNA in mouse cells in vitro and in vivo, accompanied by the activation of a cellular DNA damage response (DDR) and the appearance of apoptotic proteins in the host cells. By acting as a source of mobile genetic elements, cfDNA could be a continuous source of DNA mutagenesis of healthy cells in the body throughout life, promoting progressive cellular aging in vivo. As such, cfDNA may causally contribute to multiple aging-related diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 398-399 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Aging cell |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1 2016 |
Keywords
- Aging
- Cell-free DNA
- DNA damage
- Mutagenesis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aging
- Cell Biology