Abstract

Aging is characterized by progressive degenerative changes in tissue organization and function, some of which increase the probability of mortality. Major goals of aging research are to elucidate the series of events that cause degenerative changes, and to identify environmental, pharmacological, and genetic factors that influence these changes; this information might lead to new strategies to extend health span and lifespan. Mechanistic studies of aging depend on accurate and precise descriptions of age-related changes, since these descriptions define the aging phenotype. Here, we review studies that describe age-related changes in C. elegans, including measurements of integrated functions such as behavior and reproduction, microscopic analyses of tissue organization, and biochemical studies of macromolecules. We discuss studies that analyze the relationships between different age-related changes. We consider the results in light of mechanistic and evolutionary theories of aging. Together, these studies provide fundamental insights into aging in C. elegans that may be relevant to aging in other animals.

Department(s)

Biological Sciences

Publication Status

Open Acess

Comments

National Ataxia Foundation, Grant R56 AG072169

Keywords and Phrases

Age-related changes; Aging; C. elegans; Evolution of aging; Longitudinal studies; Reproductive aging; Somatic aging

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1872-6216; 0047-6374

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Feb 2026

PubMed ID

41475685

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