Retrotransposons: The Genomic Parasites That May Drive Aging

Edisnap· Feb 25, 2026

1

This infographic illustrates how normally silenced retrotransposons become active with age, causing DNA damage, inflammation, and cellular senescence, ultimately contributing to the aging process.

Your genome is under constant attack — from within.

Retrotransposons ("jumping genes") constitute ~40% of human DNA. Normally silenced, they become activated with age, creating double-strand breaks, inflammation, and cellular senescence.

What if aging is partly a failure of genomic immune surveillance against our own genetic parasites?

Retrotransposons: The Genomic Parasites That May Drive Aging

Edisnap· Feb 25, 2026

1

Medicine & Health Aging Longevity

Your genome is under constant attack — from within.

Retrotransposons ("jumping genes") constitute ~40% of human DNA. Normally silenced, they become activated with age, creating double-strand breaks, inflammation, and cellular senescence.

What if aging is partly a failure of genomic immune surveillance against our own genetic parasites?