Glossary

Welcome to the Spannr glossary, where we have collected and defined the most common words and terms in the world of longevity.

A

AgeTech

Digital technology that assists or improves the lives of aging adults.

Andropause

The origin of the word andropause is the combination of “andras,” human male, and “pause,” meaning cessation. Sometimes referred to as “male menopause,” andropause is the onset of emotional and physical symptoms in middle-aged males, often associated with low testosterone levels. 

Antagonistic Pleiotropy Hypothesis

Antagonistic Pleiotropy Hypothesis is a theory first proposed by George Williams to help explain the existence of aging and its place in the evolutionary process.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

Anti-Müllerian Hormone is primarily produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles, both in males and females.

APOE4 gene

The APOE4 allele is associated with an increased risk of certain health conditions, particularly in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases.

Apoptosis

Apoptosis, also known as Programmed Cell Death (PCD), is a naturally occuring form of cell death in which the body eliminates unwanted cells.

Artificial Wombs

Researchers hope that new artificial womb technology will give hope to premature babies and their families, but they are also opening up pandora’s box. After all, if doctors could grow a baby outside of a natural womb, how would that change pregnancy, birth, and parenthood as we know it?

Autophagy

Autophagy is a stress response in the body that plays the essential quality control function of removing accumulated junk and thereby rejuvenating cells. Because autophagy is the process by which cells clean themselves out, autophagy is essential to survival, development, and homeostasis. 

B

Biogerontology

Biogerontology is a sub field of gerontology and refers to the study of the biological basis of aging and age-related diseases.

Biological Age

Biological age refers to a person’s age based not on the amount of time they have lived, but rather the amount of cellular and tissue damage they have accumulated in their life. Biological age is also known as physiological or functional age.

Biomarkers

A biomarker (biological marker) refers to a set of medical indicators derived from usually blood, bodily fluids, or tissue. Biomarkers are used to track everything from a person’s general health, to how they respond to longevity interventions over time.

Bioprinting

A manufacturing process that creates functional 3D tissue by layering living cells.

BPC 157

BPC 157 is a synthetic peptide derived from a naturally occurring protein called Body Protection Compound (BPC).

C

Caloric Restriction

Caloric Restriction is the act of purposefully limiting food intake without causing malnutrition.

CAR-T cells

CAR-T cells are T cells, which are white blood cells that help protect the body from infection and cancer, that have been re-engineered to produce proteins on their surface called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs).

Cell Death

Cell Death refers to any event that leads to a cell becoming unable to fulfill its biological processes. Cell Death can occur due to natural processes (see Apoptosis & Autophagy), or unnatural ones such as disease (see Necrosis).

Cellular Reprogramming

Cellular Reprogramming refers to the act of reverting damaged and/or mature cells into a more youthful state. Cellular Reprogramming is done by introducing specific genes (see Yamanaka Factors) into older cells.

Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence is the process by which an organism’s cells cease to divide. In the case of cellular senescence, as opposed to apoptosis, the cells are damaged but are not eliminated by the body.

Chronological Age

Chronological Age refers to the number of years that an animal has lived since birth.

Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation is a process that cools samples of organelles, cells, tissues, or other biological constructs to very low temperatures for preservation. By using very low temperatures, cryopreservation keeps living cells and tissues structurally intact.

D

Disposable Soma Theory

Formulated by Thomas Kirkwood, the Disposable Soma Theory (DST) explains that aging is caused due to an organism’s cellular tradeoff between allocating energy to reproduction and maintenence of non-reproductive cells (soma).

Distributed Development Company (DisCo)

Distributed Development Company (DisCo) represents a new model of biotech company that, rather than focusing on a singular drug or technology, incubates and funds multiple portfolio companies to better advance scientific breakthroughs.

E

Entosis

Entosis (also known as cell-in-cell invasion) is a process in which a cell absorbs another living cell and destroys it.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of how bahavior and environment can change cell behavior and gene activity without changing DNA sequencing.

Epigenome

Epigenome, which literally means “above” the genome, consists of chemical compounds that record changes on DNA.

Epitalon

Discovered by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, Epitalon is a part of a larger group of peptides, which are naturally occurring in the human body. The synthetic version of Epithalon is designed to mimic the effects of the natural peptides.

Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing compound, structurally related to the amino acid histidine, and is produced by certain bacteria, fungi, and plants. Humans cannot synthesize ergothioneine, but they can accumulate it through their diet, primarily from consuming certain foods.

F

Folliculogenesis

Folliculogenesis is the process a woman’s ovarian follicles take to mature.

Follistatin

Follistatin is a glycoprotein present in nearly all animals. Animals treated with follistatin have been shown to increase muscle mass and in some cases improve longevity.

Free radical theory of aging

The Free Radical Theory of Aging was formulized by Denham Harman and states that aging is the result of accumulation of damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

G

GDF11

GDF-11 is a celebrity member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, which in short regulates cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues. These family members are deeply involved in the processes of embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. But, when dysregulated, diseases of all sorts can develop.

Gene

A gene, found on a chromosome, is a basic unit of heredity that consists of nucleotides arranged in unique way. This arrangement can determine certain characteristics or functions.

Gene Expression

Gene expression is process used by all known life to generate the assembly of a protein molecule. This process is where an observable trait is passed from a genotype to a phenotype.

Genetics

Genetics began after the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the molecule that serves as the blueprint for life.

Genomics

Genomics has significantly impacted the field of medicine, offering new insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various diseases.

Geriatrics

Geriatrics goes beyond treating specific diseases; it involves a holistic approach to care that considers the physical, mental, and social well-being of older adults.

Germ Cells

Germ cells are the only types of cells in sexually reproducing organisms that are capable of passing on genetic information from one generation to the next.

Gerontology

Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging.

Geroscience

Geroscience is the study of the bioligical causes of aging in the human body.

Glutathione

Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is naturally produced in the body and is found in every cell, with the highest concentrations in the liver. While it is endogenously synthesized, external factors such as aging, pollution, stress, and certain medications can deplete glutathione levels.

GlyNAC

GlyNAC, short for Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine, is a combination of two amino acids – glycine and N-acetylcysteine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, playing crucial roles in various physiological processes within the body. What sets GlyNAC apart is its ability to replenish and support cellular levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

H

Hayflick limit

The Hayflick Limit refers to the number of times a human cell can divide before entering senescence.

Healthspan

Generally speaking, healthspan represents the part of a person’s life during which they are in good health. Unlike lifespan, which focuses solely on the duration of one's life, healthspan encapsulates the number of years lived in good health, free from debilitating illnesses or chronic conditions.

I

Immunosenescence

Immunosenescence is the progressive dysfunction of the immune system brought on by age.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a crucial part of the immune system's defense strategy, aiming to eliminate pathogens, damaged cells, and irritants, facilitating tissue repair and healing. While acute inflammation is a normal and beneficial process, chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting refers to a process of eating in which feeding windows are limited, leading to weight loss and perhaps life extension. Recent studies have been unable to show clear benefits from time restricted eating.

Internet of Bodies (IoB)

The Internet of Bodies (IoB) refers to the connection of the human body to the web in order to monitor and collect physiological, behavioral, and biometric data.

Iteroparous

Iteroparity describes a reproductive strategy characterized by multiple reproductive cycles over the course of a lifetime. Iteroparous organisms produce a few large offspring. They have a fitness belt that determines their opportunity to have more offspring over time.

J

K

Kaplan-Meier estimator

Kaplan-Meier estimator is a system used to measure the survival time after treatment.

Klotho

Klotho is a mysterious hormone that is naturally produced in the brain and kidneys that comes in several forms and impacts many different areas of the body. Diminished levels of the klotho protein make animals age faster.

L

Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is a measure of the amount of time an organism is expected to live.

Life Extension

Life extension is a general term used to refer to increasing the expected living age of an organism.

Lifespan

Lifespan is the timeframe in which a person, animal, or other living organism functions.

Longevity

Longevity is a general term that refers to a person’s typical lifespan. While lifespan refers to the number of years you live, healthspan is a measure of the number of those years you spend in good health.

Longevity Escape Velocity (LEV)

Longevity Escape Velocity (LEV) is a hypothetical moment in time in which life expectancy is improving quicker than the rate at which people are aging.

Longevity Stock Index

The Longevity Stock Index is a first of it’s kind method to track publicly-traded longevity companies.

M

Mendelian Diseases

Mendelian Diseases are disorders caused by a single mutated gene which are sometimes inherited from a parent. Common Mendelian Disease’s include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Metformin

Metformin is a prescription drug used as a first-line treatment for people with type 2 diabetes. The drug works by improving how the body responds to insulin, a hormone that signals glucose in the blood to be converted to energy. This is important in people with type 2 diabetes, who have impaired insulin sensitivity. 

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondria in our cells are responsible for producing energy (called ATP). High-energy demand organs (including the heart, muscles, and brain) require more mitochondria to produce sufficient energy. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when mitochondria don’t produce the necessary energy for the body to function properly.

Mitophagy

Mitophagy, which is a form of macroautopahgy, is the selective removal of damaged mitochondria in order to sustain neuronal homeostasis.

N

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)

NAD+ is a necessary coenzyme that is found in all cells, and is involved in many fundamental processes.

Nanoparticle

Nanoparticles are undetectable by the human eye and range in size from 1 to 100 nanometers in diameter.

Natural killer (NK) cells

NK cells are immune cells with the ability to kill tumor cells and other cells infected with a virus. They are equipped with receptors to effectively identify stressed cells for elimination, while simultaneously avoiding the targeting of healthy cells.

Neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration, which is best displayed in diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, is the progressive loss of neoronal cells in certain areas of the brain.

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) has become a popular molecule in the field of health and longevity research. As a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a crucial coenzyme in various cellular processes, NMN has attracted attention for its potential to enhance cellular function and combat age-related decline.

Non Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)

Non-Sleep Deep Rest, also known as NSDR, is an umbrella term for practices that people use to direct their minds into a state of calm and focus. NSDR protocols use specific forms of breathing to slow the heart rate down, moving the mind and body into a state of deep relaxation.

O

Obesogens

Obesogens are xenobiotic chemicals that encourage adiposity, the state of being fat, by disrupting normal developmental and homeostatic controls over adipogenesis and energy balance. In other words, they are metabolic disruptors.

P

Parabiosis

Parabiosis is the physical joining of two living organisms together via surgical procedure such that they share one physiological system.

Peptides

Understanding peptides is essential in the field of health and medicine. Peptide-based drugs have gained prominence due to their specificity and effectiveness. These drugs can target specific receptors or molecules, minimizing side effects compared to traditional medications.

Persufflation

Persufflation (PSF) is an emerging technique in cryonics that uses frozen gas to improve organ preservation.

Proteostasis

Proteostasis, also known as protein homeostasis, is the natural regulation of proteins within a cell.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

PQQ was first identified as a cofactor for certain bacterial enzymes in the 1960s, but its importance in mammalian systems was not fully appreciated until the late 20th century. In 1979, researchers discovered PQQ as an essential nutrient for the growth of certain bacteria, sparking interest in its potential relevance to human health.

Q

R

Rapamycin

Rapamycin is quite possible the drug that has attracted the most attention in the longevity world. Not only has the drug shown large effects across genders, but it has also been shown to be impact aging in multiple animal models, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is the process of replacing, engineering, or regenerating cells in living organisms to revert to normal functionality.

S

Semelparity

Semelparity, also known as "big bang" reproduction, is a reproductive strategy in which an organism invests all its energy and resources into a single, massive reproductive event. This event often leads to the production of numerous offspring, after which the organism typically dies. This strategy is in stark contrast to iteroparity, where organisms can reproduce multiple times throughout their lives.

Sirtuins

Sirtuins are a family of proteins that help regulate our cells’ health. Mammals contain seven sirtuins (SIRT 1-7) that have been shown to be highly involved in aging and metabolic processes.

Soma

Soma is the cell body within a neuron that contains the cell nucleus.

Stem Cell

Stem cells, found in all organisms, are a type of cell that can replicate and replace damaged or lost cells.

Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS)

Strategies for engineered negligible senescence (SENS), first defined by Aubrey de Grey, is a range of therapies aimed at treating various forms of human aging.

Stress-induced Premature Senescence (SIPS)

Stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) causes irreversable damage to a cell’s cycle, preventing further cell replication.

Supercentenarian

A supercentenarian is a person who has lived 110 years or more. This age is an important metric as only about 1 in 1,000 centenarians will reach the age.

T

TB 500

TB 500 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide, Thymosin Beta-4, which is present in high concentrations in blood platelets, wound fluid, and other tissues. It plays a crucial role in cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation, making it an essential factor in tissue repair and regeneration.

Telomeres

Telomeres are stretches of DNA located at end of chromosomes. Similar to the plastic tips on the end of shoelaces which keep the lace from fraying, telomeres keep chromosome ends from fraying, protecting our genetic data and making it possible for cells to divide.

U

V

W

X

Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation is the transfer of living tissues, cells, or organs from an animal species to a human.

Y

Z