Stress damages our DNA and accelerates our aging 🧬

Social and psychological stress could accelerate aging, according to a recent study. Researchers have discovered common biological mechanisms linking these two phenomena.

A team from the University of Minnesota published in Nature Aging a study revealing how social stress damages DNA and induces cellular senescence in the brain. These findings open the way for future research on the underlying mechanisms and potential protective strategies.


The researchers used preclinical models to explore the impact of stress on aging. They observed that social stress activates neurons in the hippocampus and cortex, showing signs of senescence and DNA damage. These markers are characteristic of accelerated aging.

Alessandro Bartolomucci, a professor at the University of Minnesota and lead author of the study, explains that this research was motivated by evidence showing that life stress, social determinants, and low socioeconomic status negatively affect health and aging. However, the causal mechanisms are difficult to identify in humans.

The study represents a first step in understanding how life stress can influence aging. A major discovery is that social stressors increase markers of cellular senescence in the brain and other organs, apparently due to DNA damage.

Future research will focus on understanding how stress influences several interconnected biological mechanisms, known as aging markers. The goal is to determine whether targeting these mechanisms could protect against the negative impacts of stress on the aging process.

This study, primarily funded by the National Institute on Aging and the MN Partnership for Biotechnology and Molecular Genomics, opens new perspectives for research on aging and stress. It highlights the importance of understanding biological mechanisms to develop protective strategies against the harmful effects of stress.

What is cellular senescence?

Cellular senescence is a state in which cells stop dividing but do not die immediately. This process is often associated with aging and various age-related diseases. Senescent cells accumulate DNA damage and can contribute to inflammation and tissue degeneration.

Researchers have discovered that social stress can induce cellular senescence in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex. These areas are crucial for memory and cognitive functions, suggesting a direct link between stress, aging, and cognitive decline.

Understanding the mechanisms of cellular senescence is essential for developing therapies aimed at slowing aging and preventing age-related diseases. Future studies could explore ways to target and eliminate senescent cells to improve health and longevity.

How does stress damage DNA?

Stress, particularly social and psychological stress, can cause DNA damage through several mechanisms. One of the main ones is the increased production of free radicals, which can damage DNA molecules and other cellular components.

Researchers have observed that social stress increases markers of DNA damage in the brain. This damage can lead to mutations and errors in DNA replication, thus contributing to accelerated aging and the onset of diseases.

Stress-induced DNA damage can also activate signaling pathways that lead to cellular senescence. This creates a vicious cycle where stress damages DNA, leading to senescence, which in turn can exacerbate the effects of stress on aging.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions that protect DNA from stress-induced damage, potentially slowing the aging process and improving overall health.