Aging as a complex system that loses homeostasis
Is aging the result of a very complex machine falling out of homeostasis? This is a compelling high-level paradigm for aging.
Why do different organisms have different rates of aging and different lifespans? Evolution shaped each species to survive. The fly’s lifespan worked for it given all its other constraints. Human lifespans are relatively long and they have worked for us so far. Certain other organisms like Greenland sharks and bristlecone pines have even longer lifespans. The variation is orders of magnitude.
It is very likely that we can reprogram flies to live 100x longer. I also think it is very likely that we can reprogram people to live 10x longer. It is at least conceivable. Rejuvenation of the critical parts of our complex bodies should in theory fight the loss of homeostasis. Epigenetic reprogramming is starting to provide a proof of concept.
Given the complexity of all living things, and especially humans, I think we need to first prove 10x lifespan extension in smaller organisms. Maybe flies, maybe worms, maybe yeast. If we can’t do it for those organisms, it seems very difficult to do it for humans. Maybe some brilliant researchers will bypass this step and solve it for humans? I'm not sure how they will.
We have the opportunity to create accurate models of aging. Right now aging is too complex and we only have overly simplistic models. With the twin innovations of big data / ‘omics and deep learning, we are poised for data-driven discovery of the complex, high-dimensional, combinatorial interactions driving aging. First things first: let’s get this working in simple organisms.
A recent paper tied the Black Plague in the 1400s rapid evolution in the human immune system. I believe we are again on the cusp of rapid evolution. We will begin to edit our genes and rejuvenate our bodies. Buckle up.