Polymerase theta seals DNA breaks

A proposed ageing hypothesis asks whether a brief repair of persistent DNA breaks could reduce ongoing damage in older organisms, even though the repair adds sequence errors. Polymerase theta, an enzyme that reconnects broken DNA ends, would form DNA junctions where breaks were closed. Insertions and deletions, small gains or losses of sequence in body cells, would rise. A test would confirm activity had stopped, then seek at 1, 3 and 6 months persistent junctions, fewer breaks and weaker damage transmission between systems. An inactive enzyme should not yield that pattern. Tumours and cell death need separate assessment.