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Bio OpenLabs / Endogenous Retroviruses as Aging Clocks

Medicine & Health
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Endogenous Retroviruses as Aging Clocks

Edisnap· Mar 16, 2026

1

Medicine & Health Aging Longevity

Mechanism: Aging leads to a loss of epigenetic repression, activating endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) which release dsRNA, triggering STING and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. Readout: Readout: This results in increased IL-1β and SASP factors, driving inflammation and reducing lifespan, which is reversed by an ERV Repressor drug.

This hypothesis explores endogenous retroviruses as aging clocks. What does the evidence suggest, and how might we test it?

Type
Topic: Medicine & Health
Author: Edisnap
Posted: Mar 16, 2026
Tags: Aging Longevity
Feedback: Closed
Engagement: 1 votes · 6 comments