Aging of the Genome: The Dual Role of DNA in Life and Death Jan Vijg Aging has long since been ascribed to the gradual accumulation of DNA mutations in the genome of somatic cells. However, it is only recently that the necessary sophisticated technology has been developed to begin testing this theory and its consequences. This book critically reviews the concept of genomic instability as a possible universal cause of aging in the context of a new, holistic understanding of genome functioning in complex organisms resulting from recent advances in functional genomics and systems biology. It provides an up-to-date synthesis of current research, as well as a look ahead to the design of strategies to retard or reverse the deleterious effects of aging. This is particularly important in a time when we are urgently trying to unravel the genetic component of aging-related diseases. Moreover, there is a growing public recognition of the imperative of understanding more about the underlying biology of aging, driven by continuing demographic change. • Authored by a world-renowned specialist in the field • Describes the mechanisms of aging in a clear and accessible manner • Emphasises the role of DNA damage and genomic instability in aging and aging-related disease, integrating theoretical and empirical evidence • Discusses the design of strategies of retard or reverse the deleterious effects of aging This is an advanced textbook suitable for graduate level students as well as professional researchers in the fields of gerontology, pathology, functional genomics, biochemistry, evolutionary biology, genetics and molecular biology. Jan Vijg is Professor at the Buck institute for Age Research, Novato, CA, USA.