ABSTRACT
The indispensable soma hypothesis is an example of systems thinking in aging and posits that: “humans who are suitably integrated within a technological, information-rich, cognitive environment, and who are indispensable for the adaptability of such environment, may experience a reversal of their resource allocation priorities from the germline to the soma , resulting in improved somatic repair and a progressive reduction of age-related degeneration.” I am suggesting that the fundamental trade-off could be more specifically between neurons and the germline, instead of the more widely held view that the trade-off is between the soma in general and the germline. The information load which is associated with being a functional agent within a techno-cognitive, increasingly complex ecosystem is likely to invoke natural principles and conserved mechanisms, and may reverse the energetic trade-offs which currently ensure high genomic repair fidelity in the germline. This information-sharing process may lead to a sequestration of repair resources from the germline and to their reallocation to the soma (specifically the neuron). The hypothesis does not contradict any major views, theories, or principles in aging. On the contrary, it complements many such theories and is in direct agreement with every law of evolution, entropy, and survival. Two major assumptions are discussed: First, that any agent which contributes to the overall evolvability of a system is likely to be retained longer within that system. Second, that the biological mechanism underpinning such retention is likely to be based on a reversal of the conflict between germline and somatic (neuronal) survival in humans. Supporting evidence from both, a biological and a complex systems perspective is discussed.
