The nature of gerontogenes and vitagenes. Antiaging effects of repeated heat shock on human fibroblasts.

Our survival and the physical quality of life depends upon an efficient functioning of various maintenance and repair processes. This complex network of the so-called longevity assurance processes is composed of several genes, termed vitagenes. The homeodynamic property of living systems is a function of such a vitagene network. Because aging is characterized by the failure of homeodynamics, a decreased efficiency and accuracy of the vitagene network can transmutate it into a gerontogene network. It is not clear how various components of the vitagene network operate and influence each other in a concordant or a discordant manner. Experimental strategies through which this transmutation of vitagenes into virtual gerontogenes may be elucidated include induction of molecular damage, antisense intervention, and genetic screening for varied efficiencies of the members of the vitagene family. A reversal of this approach by maintaining or recovering the activity of vitagenes will lead to a delay of aging, a decreased occurrence of age-related diseases, and a prolongation of a healthy life span.