The ageing virus hypothesis: Epigenetic Ageing beyond the Tree of Life
2025
The Ageing Virus Hypothesis: Epigenetic Ageing Beyond the Tree of Life
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Éric Bapteste
Primary Institution: Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université CNRS, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, EPHE Université Des Antilles Paris France
Hypothesis
Can viruses age due to the loss of epigenetic signals?
Conclusion
If verified, the ageing virus hypothesis would expand the understanding of ageing to include viruses, which may also suffer from epigenetic signal loss.
Supporting Evidence
- Viruses that use epigenetic signals may age and become less effective over time.
- Epigenetic changes in viruses could lead to defective viral particles.
- The ageing virus hypothesis could enhance theories in virology, gerontology, and evolutionary biology.
Takeaway
This study suggests that viruses might age just like other organisms because they rely on epigenetic information, and losing that information could make them less effective over time.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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