The stability of our genome is a fundamental basis of cellular integrity. Over the course of life, DNA damage can arise through environmental factors, metabolic processes or errors in repair mechanisms. In longevity research, genome stability is therefore regarded as an important starting point for better understanding ageing processes at the cellular level.

Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of our chromosomes. They help preserve genetic information during cell division, but shorten over the course of life with each division.

In longevity research, telomeres are regarded as important markers of cellular replicative capacity and biological stress. Their length is influenced by both genetic factors and environmental and lifestyle factors.

Epigenetic changes influence how genes are read without altering the DNA sequence itself. They arise through chemical markers and structural adjustments that regulate the accessibility of the DNA.

Over the course of life, such patterns can change and thereby influence cell function, adaptability and biological regulation. In longevity research, epigenetic processes are therefore regarded as a key interface between genetics, environment and lifestyle.

Proteostasis describes the cell’s ability to produce proteins correctly, fold them properly and break them down when needed. This balance is important so that cellular structures and processes function reliably.

As we age, this quality control can become less efficient. As a result, damaged or misfolded proteins can accumulate. In longevity research, proteostasis is therefore considered a key factor in cellular order, resilience and functional stability.

Macroautophagy is a cellular recycling process in which damaged cell components are broken down and reused. It helps the cell maintain order and adapt to stress.

With increasing age, this process can become less efficient. In longevity research, autophagy is therefore considered an important mechanism for cellular cleansing, adaptability and functional stability.

Nutrient sensing describes the body's ability to detect energy, nutrients and metabolic signals, and respond to them. This includes signalling pathways around insulin, growth, cell division and energy balance.

As we age, this regulation can become less precise. In longevity research, it is therefore regarded as an important interface between nutrition, metabolism, cell function and biological adaptability.

Mitochondria are central structures in cellular energy production. They provide ATP – the form of energy that powers many biological processes in the body.

As we age, mitochondrial efficiency can decline. In longevity research, mitochondria are therefore regarded as an important interface between energy metabolism, oxidative stress, cell function and biological performance.

Cellular senescence describes a state in which cells permanently stop dividing. This process can serve a protective function, for example when damaged cells are prevented from continuing to multiply.

However, with age, senescent cells can accumulate in tissue and influence their surroundings through signalling molecules. In longevity research, senescence is therefore considered an important factor for tissue function, cell communication and biological ageing processes.

Stem cells are specialised cells that can renew themselves and develop into different cell types. They play an important role in tissue renewal, repair processes and functional stability in the body.

With increasing age, their regenerative capacity may decline. In longevity research, stem cell exhaustion is therefore considered an important factor for tissue function, adaptability and biological regeneration.

Intercellular communication describes the exchange of signals between cells. It occurs, among other things, through direct cell contact, hormones, growth factors and small messenger structures.

As we age, this signalling can become less precise. In longevity research, cell communication is therefore regarded as an important factor for tissue function, inflammation regulation, regeneration and the coordinated interaction of biological systems.

Chronic inflammation, also known as inflammaging, describes a persistent, low-grade activation of the immune system. As we age, immune regulation can change, causing inflammation-related signalling pathways to come more into focus.

In longevity research, inflammaging is considered an important factor in tissue function, cell communication, regeneration and the body’s biological resilience.

Dysbiosis describes an altered balance of microbial communities, especially in the gut. The microbiome is in close interaction with metabolism, the immune system, barrier function and cellular communication.

As we age, the composition of the microbiota can change. In longevity research, the microbiome is therefore considered an important factor in biological regulation, systemic balance and the connection between nutrition, the environment and the body.