Genomic instability

Genomic instability is the progressive accumulation of damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, including point mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, copy-number changes and retrotransposon activation. It arises from endogenous sources such as replication errors and reactive oxygen species as well as exogenous insults like UV light and toxins, and is exacerbated by declining DNA-repair capacity. As one of the primary hallmarks of ageing, it drives clonal expansion, cancer risk and tissue dysfunction.