Information loss in the Epigenome, epigenetic noise, drives the Hallmarks of Aging The underlying mechanism is due to the survival circuit, and the dual role of vitality genes: functioning as controls on DNA expression (fertility) and DNA repair. When a vitality gene is marshaled to DNA repair due to cellular insults, regulation of genes ceases or diminishes. This change in DNA expression results in loss of fertility and unintended cellular functions.

Youth → broken DNA → genome instability → disruption of DNA packaging and gene regulation (the epigenome) → loss of cell identity → cellular senescence → disease death.