If a recent aging hypothesis proposes that deleterious changes in early life might determine aging and lifespan is correct9, RECQL4 deficiency should positively affect viability later in life (Fig. 7B), similar to the pleiotropic APOE4 allele55, which can produce high fertility and protect against perinatal death56,57 but can increase the later risk of Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly population58. Here, APOE is linked to Alzheimer disease.