Decline in glycolytic ATP proposed as a central mechanism limiting lifespan
Feb 27th 2026
A Perspective article in Aging argues that a progressive decline in glycolytic ATP production could be the fundamental driver of ageing across species, explains exceptions like cancer and the naked mole rat, and points to glycolysis-based rejuvenation ideas while stressing the need for experimental testing.
- Authors propose that species surviving over generations had an optimal rate of decline in glycolytic ATP production.
- A gradual fall in glycolytic ATP is linked to reduced cell division and impaired DNA and mitochondrial repair seen with aging.
- Cancer and other immortal cells maintain high glycolytic ATP, which the paper raises as a possible reason for unchecked proliferation.
- The authors frame the shift toward oxidative metabolism as an evolutionary trade-off that improves energy efficiency and parental survival under limited food.
- This is a Research Perspective synthesizing literature, not a definitive proof, and the hypothesis requires targeted experimental and clinical validation.