The Central Dogma of Aging

Aging is driven by interconnected molecular and cellular changes that lead to functional decline and increased disease susceptibility. Traditional models, such as "the Hallmarks of Aging", provide frameworks for understanding these changes. Here, we propose a novel "Central Dogma of Aging" hypothesis that extends the classical central dogma of molecular biology (DNARNAprotein) to encompass DNA, RNA, Protein, and Metabolite. The four layers are interconnected and mutually regulated by a 4C (Coding, Catalysis, Constitution and Catabolism) rule, referred to as the Central Dogma; each is further modulated by anabolism (synthesis), modification (post-synthesis alterations), and catabolism (degradation) process, and dynamically challenged by the exposome—cumulative environmental stimuli throughout life. The Central Dogma of Aging offers a comprehensive model for aging mechanisms, with implications for targeted therapies to promote healthiness and longevity.