1
|
Bisht S, Mao Y, Easwaran H. Epigenetic dynamics of aging and cancer development: current concepts from studies mapping aging and cancer epigenomes. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:82-92. [PMID: 38441107 PMCID: PMC10939788 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review emphasizes the role of epigenetic processes as incidental changes occurring during aging, which, in turn, promote the development of cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Aging is a complex biological process associated with the progressive deterioration of normal physiological functions, making age a significant risk factor for various disorders, including cancer. The increasing longevity of the population has made cancer a global burden, as the risk of developing most cancers increases with age due to the cumulative effect of exposure to environmental carcinogens and DNA replication errors. The classical 'somatic mutation theory' of cancer cause is being challenged by the observation that multiple normal cells harbor cancer driver mutations without resulting in cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of age-associated epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, which occur across all cell types and tissues with advancing age. There is an increasing body of evidence linking these changes with cancer risk and prognosis. SUMMARY A better understanding about the epigenetic changes acquired during aging is critical for comprehending the mechanisms leading to the age-associated increase in cancer and for developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bisht
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yiqing Mao
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hariharan Easwaran
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kirsch A, Grossmann T, Steffan B, Groselj-Strele A, Gerstenberger C, Gugatschka M. Vocal fold fibroblasts and exposure to vibration in vitro: Does sex matter? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297168. [PMID: 38335206 PMCID: PMC10857603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that certain vocal fold pathologies are more common in one sex than the other. This is often explained by differences in the composition of the lamina propria and anatomical differences between female and male vocal folds, resulting in e.g. different fundamental frequencies. Here, we investigated a potential sex-specific voice frequency effect in an in vitro setting using vocal fold fibroblasts from one male and one female donor with and without cigarette smoke extract (CSE) addition. After exposure to either male or female vibration frequency with or without CSE, cells and supernatants were harvested. Gene and protein analysis were performed by means of qPCR, western blot, ELISA and Luminex. We found that exposure of cells to both male and female vibration pattern did not elicit significant changes in the expression of extracellular matrix-, inflammation-, and fibrosis-related genes, compared to control cells. The addition of CSE to vibration downregulated the gene expression of COL1A1 in cells exposed to the female vibration pattern, as well as induced MMP1 and PTGS2 in cells exposed to both female and male vibration pattern. The protein expression of MMP1 and COX2 was found to be significantly upregulated only in cells exposed to CSE and female vibration pattern. To conclude, different vibration patterns alone did not cause different responses of the cells. However, the female vibration pattern in combination with CSE had a tendency to elicit/maintain more pro-inflammatory responses in cells than the male vibration pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrijana Kirsch
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tanja Grossmann
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Steffan
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrea Groselj-Strele
- Core Facility Computational Bioanalytics, Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Claus Gerstenberger
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Markus Gugatschka
- Division of Phoniatrics, ENT University Hospital, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Horvath S, Singh K, Raj K, Khairnar SI, Sanghavi A, Shrivastava A, Zoller JA, Li CZ, Herenu CB, Canatelli-Mallat M, Lehmann M, Habazin S, Novokmet M, Vučković F, Solberg Woods LC, Martinez AG, Wang T, Chiavellini P, Levine AJ, Chen H, Brooke RT, Gordevicius J, Lauc G, Goya RG, Katcher HL. Reversal of biological age in multiple rat organs by young porcine plasma fraction. GeroScience 2024; 46:367-394. [PMID: 37875652 PMCID: PMC10828479 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Young blood plasma is known to confer beneficial effects on various organs in mice and rats. However, it was not known whether plasma from young adult pigs rejuvenates old rat tissues at the epigenetic level; whether it alters the epigenetic clock, which is a highly accurate molecular biomarker of aging. To address this question, we developed and validated six different epigenetic clocks for rat tissues that are based on DNA methylation values derived from n = 613 tissue samples. As indicated by their respective names, the rat pan-tissue clock can be applied to DNA methylation profiles from all rat tissues, while the rat brain, liver, and blood clocks apply to the corresponding tissue types. We also developed two epigenetic clocks that apply to both human and rat tissues by adding n = 1366 human tissue samples to the training data. We employed these six rat clocks to investigate the rejuvenation effects of a porcine plasma fraction treatment in different rat tissues. The treatment more than halved the epigenetic ages of blood, heart, and liver tissue. A less pronounced, but statistically significant, rejuvenation effect could be observed in the hypothalamus. The treatment was accompanied by progressive improvement in the function of these organs as ascertained through numerous biochemical/physiological biomarkers, behavioral responses encompassing cognitive functions. An immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation pattern shift from pro- to anti-inflammatory also indicated reversal of glycan aging. Overall, this study demonstrates that a young porcine plasma-derived treatment markedly reverses aging in rats according to epigenetic clocks, IgG glycans, and other biomarkers of aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Kavita Singh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS University, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Shraddha I Khairnar
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS University, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | - Joseph A Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caesar Z Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claudia B Herenu
- Institute for Experimental Pharmacology of Cordoba (IFEC), School of Chemical Sciences, National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Martina Canatelli-Mallat
- Biochemistry Research Institute of La Plata-Histology B, Pathology B, School of Medicine, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marianne Lehmann
- Biochemistry Research Institute of La Plata-Histology B, Pathology B, School of Medicine, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Leah C Solberg Woods
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Drive, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Angel Garcia Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tengfei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Priscila Chiavellini
- Biochemistry Research Institute of La Plata-Histology B, Pathology B, School of Medicine, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrew J Levine
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Gordan Lauc
- Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rodolfo G Goya
- Biochemistry Research Institute of La Plata-Histology B, Pathology B, School of Medicine, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zoller JA, Parasyraki E, Lu AT, Haghani A, Niehrs C, Horvath S. DNA methylation clocks for clawed frogs reveal evolutionary conservation of epigenetic aging. GeroScience 2024; 46:945-960. [PMID: 37270437 PMCID: PMC10828168 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00840-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To address how conserved DNA methylation-based epigenetic aging is in diverse branches of the tree of life, we generated DNA methylation data from African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) and Western clawed frogs (Xenopus tropicalis) and built multiple epigenetic clocks. Dual species clocks were developed that apply to both humans and frogs (human-clawed frog clocks), supporting that epigenetic aging processes are evolutionary conserved outside mammals. Highly conserved positively age-related CpGs are located in neural-developmental genes such as uncx, tfap2d as well as nr4a2 implicated in age-associated disease. We conclude that signatures of epigenetic aging are evolutionary conserved between frogs and mammals and that the associated genes relate to neural processes, altogether opening opportunities to employ Xenopus as a model organism to study aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Ake T Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Macip CC, Hasan R, Hoznek V, Kim J, Lu YR, Metzger LE, Sethna S, Davidsohn N. Gene Therapy-Mediated Partial Reprogramming Extends Lifespan and Reverses Age-Related Changes in Aged Mice. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:24-32. [PMID: 38381405 PMCID: PMC10909732 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex progression of changes best characterized as the chronic dysregulation of cellular processes leading to deteriorated tissue and organ function. Although aging cannot currently be prevented, its impact on life- and healthspan in the elderly can potentially be minimized by interventions that aim to return these cellular processes to optimal function. Recent studies have demonstrated that partial reprogramming using the Yamanaka factors (or a subset; OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4; OSK) can reverse age-related changes in vitro and in vivo. However, it is still unknown whether the Yamanaka factors (or a subset) are capable of extending the lifespan of aged wild-type (WT) mice. In this study, we show that systemically delivered adeno-associated viruses, encoding an inducible OSK system, in 124-week-old male mice extend the median remaining lifespan by 109% over WT controls and enhance several health parameters. Importantly, we observed a significant improvement in frailty scores indicating that we were able to improve the healthspan along with increasing the lifespan. Furthermore, in human keratinocytes expressing exogenous OSK, we observed significant epigenetic markers of age reversal, suggesting a potential reregulation of genetic networks to a younger potentially healthier state. Together, these results may have important implications for the development of partial reprogramming interventions to reverse age-associated diseases in the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jihyun Kim
- Rejuvenate Bio, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yuancheng Ryan Lu
- Department of Biology, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Horvath S, Haghani A, Zoller JA, Lu AT, Ernst J, Pellegrini M, Jasinska AJ, Mattison JA, Salmon AB, Raj K, Horvath M, Paul KC, Ritz BR, Robeck TR, Spriggs M, Ehmke EE, Jenkins S, Li C, Nathanielsz PW. Pan-primate studies of age and sex. GeroScience 2023; 45:3187-3209. [PMID: 37493860 PMCID: PMC10643767 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Age and sex have a profound effect on cytosine methylation levels in humans and many other species. Here we analyzed DNA methylation profiles of 2400 tissues derived from 37 primate species including 11 haplorhine species (baboons, marmosets, vervets, rhesus macaque, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutan, humans) and 26 strepsirrhine species (suborders Lemuriformes and Lorisiformes). From these we present here, pan-primate epigenetic clocks which are highly accurate for all primates including humans (age correlation R = 0.98). We also carried out in-depth analysis of baboon DNA methylation profiles and generated five epigenetic clocks for baboons (Olive-yellow baboon hybrid), one of which, the pan-tissue epigenetic clock, was trained on seven tissue types (fetal cerebral cortex, adult cerebral cortex, cerebellum, adipose, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle) with ages ranging from late fetal life to 22.8 years of age. Using the primate data, we characterize the effect of age and sex on individual cytosines in highly conserved regions. We identify 11 sex-related CpGs on autosomes near genes (POU3F2, CDYL, MYCL, FBXL4, ZC3H10, ZXDC, RRAS, FAM217A, RBM39, GRIA2, UHRF2). Low overlap can be observed between age- and sex-related CpGs. Overall, this study advances our understanding of conserved age- and sex-related epigenetic changes in primates, and provides biomarkers of aging for all primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Joseph A Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Jason Ernst
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Anna J Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and BiobehavioralSciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julie A Mattison
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adam B Salmon
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, and Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Beate R Ritz
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Todd R Robeck
- Corporate Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Parks, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Maria Spriggs
- Busch Gardens Tampa, SeaWorld Parks, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | | | - Susan Jenkins
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Center, Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Cun Li
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Center, Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Center, Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, Laramie, WY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jain SS, McNamara ME, Varghese RS, Ressom HW. Deconvolution of immune cell composition and biological age of hepatocellular carcinoma using DNA methylation. Methods 2023; 218:125-132. [PMID: 37574160 PMCID: PMC10529003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been an approved indication for the administration of immunotherapy since 2017, but biomarkers that predict therapeutic response have remained limited. Understanding and characterizing the tumor immune microenvironment enables better classification of these tumors and may reveal biomarkers that predict immunotherapeutic efficacy. In this paper, we applied a cell-type deconvolution algorithm using DNA methylation array data to investigate the composition of the tumor microenvironment in HCC. Using publicly available and in-house datasets with a total cohort size of 57 patients, each with tumor and matched normal tissue samples, we identified key differences in immune cell composition. We found that NK cell abundance was significantly decreased in HCC tumors compared to adjacent normal tissue. We also applied DNA methylation "clocks" which estimate phenotypic aging and compared these findings to expression-based determinations of cellular senescence. Senescence and epigenetic aging were significantly increased in HCC tumors, and the degree of age acceleration and senescence was strongly associated with decreased NK cell abundance. In summary, we found that NK cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment is significantly diminished, and that this loss of NK abundance is strongly associated with increased senescence and age-related phenotype. These findings point to key interactions between NK cells and the senescent tumor microenvironment and offer insights into the pathogenesis of HCC as well as potential biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth S Jain
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Megan E McNamara
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rency S Varghese
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Habtom W Ressom
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haghani A, Li CZ, Robeck TR, Zhang J, Lu AT, Ablaeva J, Acosta-Rodríguez VA, Adams DM, Alagaili AN, Almunia J, Aloysius A, Amor NM, Ardehali R, Arneson A, Baker CS, Banks G, Belov K, Bennett NC, Black P, Blumstein DT, Bors EK, Breeze CE, Brooke RT, Brown JL, Carter G, Caulton A, Cavin JM, Chakrabarti L, Chatzistamou I, Chavez AS, Chen H, Cheng K, Chiavellini P, Choi OW, Clarke S, Cook JA, Cooper LN, Cossette ML, Day J, DeYoung J, Dirocco S, Dold C, Dunnum JL, Ehmke EE, Emmons CK, Emmrich S, Erbay E, Erlacher-Reid C, Faulkes CG, Fei Z, Ferguson SH, Finno CJ, Flower JE, Gaillard JM, Garde E, Gerber L, Gladyshev VN, Goya RG, Grant MJ, Green CB, Hanson MB, Hart DW, Haulena M, Herrick K, Hogan AN, Hogg CJ, Hore TA, Huang T, Belmonte JCI, Jasinska AJ, Jones G, Jourdain E, Kashpur O, Katcher H, Katsumata E, Kaza V, Kiaris H, Kobor MS, Kordowitzki P, Koski WR, Krützen M, Kwon SB, Larison B, Lee SG, Lehmann M, Lemaître JF, Levine AJ, Li X, Li C, Lim AR, Lin DTS, Lindemann DM, Liphardt SW, Little TJ, Macoretta N, Maddox D, Matkin CO, Mattison JA, McClure M, Mergl J, Meudt JJ, Montano GA, Mozhui K, Munshi-South J, Murphy WJ, Naderi A, Nagy M, Narayan P, Nathanielsz PW, Nguyen NB, Niehrs C, Nyamsuren B, O’Brien JK, Ginn PO, Odom DT, Ophir AG, Osborn S, Ostrander EA, Parsons KM, Paul KC, Pedersen AB, Pellegrini M, Peters KJ, Petersen JL, Pietersen DW, Pinho GM, Plassais J, Poganik JR, Prado NA, Reddy P, Rey B, Ritz BR, Robbins J, Rodriguez M, Russell J, Rydkina E, Sailer LL, Salmon AB, Sanghavi A, Schachtschneider KM, Schmitt D, Schmitt T, Schomacher L, Schook LB, Sears KE, Seifert AW, Shafer AB, Shindyapina AV, Simmons M, Singh K, Sinha I, Slone J, Snell RG, Soltanmohammadi E, Spangler ML, Spriggs M, Staggs L, Stedman N, Steinman KJ, Stewart DT, Sugrue VJ, Szladovits B, Takahashi JS, Takasugi M, Teeling EC, Thompson MJ, Van Bonn B, Vernes SC, Villar D, Vinters HV, Vu H, Wallingford MC, Wang N, Wilkinson GS, Williams RW, Yan Q, Yao M, Young BG, Zhang B, Zhang Z, Zhao Y, Zhao P, Zhou W, Zoller JA, Ernst J, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Yang XW, Raj K, Horvath S. DNA methylation networks underlying mammalian traits. Science 2023; 381:eabq5693. [PMID: 37561875 PMCID: PMC11180965 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq5693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Using DNA methylation profiles (n = 15,456) from 348 mammalian species, we constructed phyloepigenetic trees that bear marked similarities to traditional phylogenetic ones. Using unsupervised clustering across all samples, we identified 55 distinct cytosine modules, of which 30 are related to traits such as maximum life span, adult weight, age, sex, and human mortality risk. Maximum life span is associated with methylation levels in HOXL subclass homeobox genes and developmental processes and is potentially regulated by pluripotency transcription factors. The methylation state of some modules responds to perturbations such as caloric restriction, ablation of growth hormone receptors, consumption of high-fat diets, and expression of Yamanaka factors. This study reveals an intertwined evolution of the genome and epigenome that mediates the biological characteristics and traits of different mammalian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Caesar Z. Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Todd R. Robeck
- Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Joshua Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Julia Ablaeva
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Victoria A. Acosta-Rodríguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Danielle M. Adams
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Abdulaziz N. Alagaili
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Fundacion, Avenida Loro Parque, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ajoy Aloysius
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Nabil M.S. Amor
- Laboratory of Biodiversity, Parasitology, and Ecology, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Reza Ardehali
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adriana Arneson
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C. Scott Baker
- Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | - Gareth Banks
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nigel C. Bennett
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | | | - Daniel T. Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Crested Butte, CO, USA
| | - Eleanor K. Bors
- Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Janine L. Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology, Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Gerald Carter
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alex Caulton
- AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, Otago, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Julie M. Cavin
- Gulf World Marine Park - Dolphin Company, Panama City Beach, FL, USA
| | - Lisa Chakrabarti
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Andreas S. Chavez
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaiyang Cheng
- Medical Informatics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Priscila Chiavellini
- Biochemistry Research Institute of La Plata, Histology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Oi-Wa Choi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shannon Clarke
- AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Joseph A. Cook
- University of New Mexico, Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Lisa N. Cooper
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Marie-Laurence Cossette
- Department of Environmental & Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Day
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph DeYoung
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Christopher Dold
- Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Dunnum
- University of New Mexico, Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Candice K. Emmons
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephan Emmrich
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ebru Erbay
- Altos Labs, Bay Area Institute of Science, Redwood City, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Chris G. Faulkes
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Zhe Fei
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Steven H. Ferguson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Carrie J. Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- University of Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biometrie et Biologie Evolutive, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Eva Garde
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Livia Gerber
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rodolfo G. Goya
- Biochemistry Research Institute of La Plata, Histology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Matthew J Grant
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carla B. Green
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - M. Bradley Hanson
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel W. Hart
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | | | | | - Andrew N. Hogan
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy A. Hore
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Taosheng Huang
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Anna J. Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Olga Kashpur
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Vimala Kaza
- Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pawel Kordowitzki
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | | | - Michael Krützen
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Soo Bin Kwon
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brenda Larison
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sang-Goo Lee
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marianne Lehmann
- Biochemistry Research Institute of La Plata, Histology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Jean-François Lemaître
- University of Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biometrie et Biologie Evolutive, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Andrew J. Levine
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xinmin Li
- Technology Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cun Li
- Texas Pregnancy and Life-course Health Center, Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Andrea R. Lim
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David T. S. Lin
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Thomas J. Little
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | | | - Julie A. Mattison
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - June Mergl
- Marineland of Canada, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer J. Meudt
- Biomedical and Genomic Research Group, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gisele A. Montano
- Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Khyobeni Mozhui
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jason Munshi-South
- Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Armonk, NY, USA
| | - William J. Murphy
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Asieh Naderi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Martina Nagy
- Museum fur Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pritika Narayan
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Texas Pregnancy and Life-course Health Center, Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Ngoc B. Nguyen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Justine K. O’Brien
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Duncan T Odom
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Elaine A. Ostrander
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kim M. Parsons
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kimberly C. Paul
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amy B. Pedersen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katharina J. Peters
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Darren W. Pietersen
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Gabriela M. Pinho
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn Plassais
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jesse R. Poganik
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalia A. Prado
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Pradeep Reddy
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Rey
- University of Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biometrie et Biologie Evolutive, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Beate R. Ritz
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Elena Rydkina
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Adam B. Salmon
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies and Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Kyle M. Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Dennis Schmitt
- College of Agriculture, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence B. Schook
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Karen E. Sears
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Aaron B.A. Shafer
- Department of Forensic Science, Environmental & Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anastasia V. Shindyapina
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kavita Singh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM’S NMIMS University, Mumbai, India
| | - Ishani Sinha
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse Slone
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Russel G. Snell
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elham Soltanmohammadi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Karen J. Steinman
- Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald T Stewart
- Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Balazs Szladovits
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Joseph S. Takahashi
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Masaki Takasugi
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emma C. Teeling
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael J. Thompson
- Department Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bill Van Bonn
- Animal Care and Science Division, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sonja C. Vernes
- School of Biology, The University of St. Andrews, Fife, UK
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Diego Villar
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Harry V. Vinters
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ha Vu
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Nan Wang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Robert W. Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Qi Yan
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mingjia Yao
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Bohan Zhang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peng Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wanding Zhou
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason Ernst
- Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Departments of Biology and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - X. William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
- Altos Labs, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mareckova K, Pacinkova A, Marecek R, Sebejova L, Izakovicova Holla L, Klanova J, Brazdil M, Nikolova YS. Longitudinal study of epigenetic aging and its relationship with brain aging and cognitive skills in young adulthood. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1215957. [PMID: 37593374 PMCID: PMC10427722 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1215957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The proportion of older adults within society is sharply increasing and a better understanding of how we age starts to be critical. However, given the paucity of longitudinal studies with both neuroimaging and epigenetic data, it remains largely unknown whether the speed of the epigenetic clock changes over the life course and whether any such changes are proportional to changes in brain aging and cognitive skills. To fill these knowledge gaps, we conducted a longitudinal study of a prenatal birth cohort, studied epigenetic aging across adolescence and young adulthood, and evaluated its relationship with brain aging and cognitive outcomes. Methods DNA methylation was assessed using the Illumina EPIC Platform in adolescence, early and late 20 s, DNA methylation age was estimated using Horvath's epigenetic clock, and epigenetic age gap (EpiAGE) was calculated as DNA methylation age residualized for batch, chronological age and the proportion of epithelial cells. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired in both the early 20 s and late 20 s using the same 3T Prisma MRI scanner and brain age was calculated using the Neuroanatomical Age Prediction using R (NAPR) platform. Cognitive skills were assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) in the late 20 s. Results The EpiAGE in adolescence, the early 20 s, and the late 20 s were positively correlated (r = 0.34-0.47), suggesting that EpiAGE is a relatively stable characteristic of an individual. Further, a faster pace of aging between the measurements was positively correlated with EpiAGE at the end of the period (r = 0.48-0.77) but negatively correlated with EpiAGE at the earlier time point (r = -0.42 to -0.55), suggesting a compensatory mechanism where late matures might be catching up with the early matures. Finally, higher positive EpiAGE showed small (Adj R2 = 0.03) but significant relationships with a higher positive brain age gap in all participants and lower full-scale IQ in young adult women in the late 20 s. Discussion We conclude that the EpiAGE is a relatively stable characteristic of an individual across adolescence and early adulthood, but that it shows only a small relationship with accelerated brain aging and a women-specific relationship with worse performance IQ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klara Mareckova
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University (MU), Brno, Czechia
- 1 Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Anna Pacinkova
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University (MU), Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Radek Marecek
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University (MU), Brno, Czechia
| | | | - Lydie Izakovicova Holla
- Department of Stomatology, St. Anne’s Univ. Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jana Klanova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Milan Brazdil
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University (MU), Brno, Czechia
- 1 Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Yuliya S. Nikolova
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gómez de Cedrón M, Moreno Palomares R, Ramírez de Molina A. Metabolo-epigenetic interplay provides targeted nutritional interventions in chronic diseases and ageing. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1169168. [PMID: 37404756 PMCID: PMC10315663 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1169168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are chemical modifications that affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences. In particular, epigenetic chemical modifications can occur on histone proteins -mainly acetylation, methylation-, and on DNA and RNA molecules -mainly methylation-. Additional mechanisms, such as RNA-mediated regulation of gene expression and determinants of the genomic architecture can also affect gene expression. Importantly, depending on the cellular context and environment, epigenetic processes can drive developmental programs as well as functional plasticity. However, misbalanced epigenetic regulation can result in disease, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases, cancer, and ageing. Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCD) and ageing share common features including altered metabolism, systemic meta-inflammation, dysfunctional immune system responses, and oxidative stress, among others. In this scenario, unbalanced diets, such as high sugar and high saturated fatty acids consumption, together with sedentary habits, are risk factors implicated in the development of NCCD and premature ageing. The nutritional and metabolic status of individuals interact with epigenetics at different levels. Thus, it is crucial to understand how we can modulate epigenetic marks through both lifestyle habits and targeted clinical interventions -including fasting mimicking diets, nutraceuticals, and bioactive compounds- which will contribute to restore the metabolic homeostasis in NCCD. Here, we first describe key metabolites from cellular metabolic pathways used as substrates to "write" the epigenetic marks; and cofactors that modulate the activity of the epigenetic enzymes; then, we briefly show how metabolic and epigenetic imbalances may result in disease; and, finally, we show several examples of nutritional interventions - diet based interventions, bioactive compounds, and nutraceuticals- and exercise to counteract epigenetic alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gómez de Cedrón
- Molecular Oncology Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Cell Metabolism Unit, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Moreno Palomares
- Molecular Oncology Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- FORCHRONIC S.L, Avda. Industria, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Carlund O, Norberg A, Osterman P, Landfors M, Degerman S, Hultdin M. DNA methylation variations and epigenetic aging in telomere biology disorders. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7955. [PMID: 37193737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34922-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs) are characterized by mutations in telomere-related genes leading to short telomeres and premature aging but with no strict correlation between telomere length and disease severity. Epigenetic alterations are also markers of aging and we aimed to evaluate whether DNA methylation (DNAm) could be part of the pathogenesis of TBDs. In blood from 35 TBD cases, genome-wide DNAm were analyzed and the cases were grouped based on relative telomere length (RTL): short (S), with RTL close to normal controls, and extremely short (ES). TBD cases had increased epigenetic age and DNAm alterations were most prominent in the ES-RTL group. Thus, the differentially methylated (DM) CpG sites could be markers of short telomeres but could also be one of the mechanisms contributing to disease phenotype since DNAm alterations were observed in symptomatic, but not asymptomatic, cases with S-RTL. Furthermore, two or more DM-CpGs were identified in four genes previously linked to TBD or telomere length (PRDM8, SMC4, VARS, and WNT6) and in three genes that were novel in telomere biology (MAS1L, NAV2, and TM4FS1). The DM-CpGs in these genes could be markers of aging in hematological cells, but they could also be of relevance for the progression of TBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Carlund
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Norberg
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Medical and Clinical Genetics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Pia Osterman
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mattias Landfors
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sofie Degerman
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Magnus Hultdin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jain SS, Barefoot ME, Varghese RS, Ressom HW. Cell-type Deconvolution and Age Estimation Using DNA Methylation Reveals NK Cell Deficiency in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microenvironment. PROCEEDINGS. IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIOINFORMATICS AND BIOMEDICINE 2022; 2022:444-449. [PMID: 37663782 PMCID: PMC10473873 DOI: 10.1109/bibm55620.2022.9995041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been an approved indication for the administration of immunotherapy since 2017, but biomarkers that predict therapeutic response have remained limited. Understanding and characterizing the tumor immune microenvironment enables better classification of these tumors and may reveal biomarkers that predict immunotherapeutic efficacy. In this paper, we applied a cell-type deconvolution algorithm using DNA methylation array data to investigate the composition of the tumor microenvironment in HCC. Using two publicly available datasets with a total cohort size of 57 patients, each with tumor and matched normal tissue samples, we identified key differences in immune cell composition. We found that NK cell abundance was significantly decreased in HCC tumors compared to adjacent normal tissue. We also applied DNA methylation "clocks" which estimate phenotypic aging and compared these findings to expression-based determinations of cellular senescence. Senescence and epigenetic aging was significantly increased in HCC tumors, and the degree of age acceleration and senescence was strongly associated with decreased NK cell abundance. In summary, we found that NK cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment is significantly diminished, and that this loss of NK abundance is strongly associated with increased senescence and age-related phenotype. These findings point to key interactions between NK cells and the senescent tumor microenvironment and offer insights into the pathogenesis of HCC as well as potential biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth S Jain
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Megan E Barefoot
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rency S Varghese
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Habtom W Ressom
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li A, Koch Z, Ideker T. Epigenetic aging: Biological age prediction and informing a mechanistic theory of aging. J Intern Med 2022; 292:733-744. [PMID: 35726002 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that epigenetic age-an individual's degree of aging based on patterns of DNA methylation-can be computed and is associated with an array of factors including diet, lifestyle, genetics, and disease. One can expect that still further associations will emerge with additional aging research, but to what end? Prediction of age was an important first step, but-in our view-the focus must shift from chasing increasingly accurate age computations to understanding the links between the epigenome and the mechanisms and physiological changes of aging. Here, we outline emerging areas of epigenetic aging research that prioritize biological understanding and clinical application. First, we survey recent progress in epigenetic clocks, which are beginning to predict not only chronological age but aging outcomes such as all-cause mortality and onset of disease, or which integrate aging signals across multiple biological processes. Second, we discuss research that exemplifies how investigation of the epigenome is building a mechanistic theory of aging and informing clinical practice. Such examples include identifying methylation sites and the genes most strongly predictive of aging-a subset of which have shown strong potential as biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease and cancer; relating epigenetic clock predictions to hallmarks of aging; and using longitudinal studies of DNA methylation to characterize human disease, resulting in the discovery of epigenetic indications of type 1 diabetes and the propensity for psychotic experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Li
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Zane Koch
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Trey Ideker
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jay Sarkar T, Hermsmeier M, L. Ross J, Scott Herron G. Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Cutaneous Cellular Senescence. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin is the largest human organ system, and its protective function is critical to survival. The epithelial, dermal, and subcutaneous compartments are heterogeneous mixtures of cell types, yet they all display age-related skin dysfunction through the accumulation of an altered phenotypic cellular state called senescence. Cellular senescence is triggered by complex and dynamic genetic and epigenetic processes. A senescence steady state is achieved in different cell types under various and overlapping conditions of chronological age, toxic injury, oxidative stress, replicative exhaustion, DNA damage, metabolic dysfunction, and chromosomal structural changes. These inputs lead to outputs of cell-cycle withdrawal and the appearance of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, both of which accumulate as tissue pathology observed clinically in aged skin. This review details the influence of genetic and epigenetic factors that converge on normal cutaneous cellular processes to create the senescent state, thereby dictating the response of the skin to the forces of both intrinsic and extrinsic aging. From this work, it is clear that no single biomarker or process leads to senescence, but that it is a convergence of factors resulting in an overt aging phenotype.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gardner ST, Bertucci EM, Sutton R, Horcher A, Aubrey D, Parrott BB. Development of DNA methylation-based epigenetic age predictors in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 23:131-144. [PMID: 35957540 PMCID: PMC10087248 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Biological aging is connected to life history variation across ecological scales and informs a basic understanding of age-related declines in organismal function. Altered DNA methylation dynamics are a conserved aspect of biological aging and have recently been modeled to predict chronological age among vertebrate species. In addition to their utility in estimating individual age, differences between chronological and predicted ages arise due to acceleration or deceleration of epigenetic aging, and these discrepancies are linked to disease risk and multiple life history traits. Although evidence suggests that patterns of DNA methylation can describe aging in plants, predictions with epigenetic clocks have yet to be performed. Here, we resolve the DNA methylome across CpG, CHG, and CHH-methylation contexts in the loblolly pine tree (Pinus taeda) and construct epigenetic clocks capable of predicting ages in this species within 6% of its maximum lifespan. Although patterns of CHH-methylation showed little association with age, both CpG and CHG-methylation contexts were strongly associated with aging, largely becoming hypomethylated with age. Among age-associated loci were those in close proximity to malate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, and 18S and 26S ribosomal RNA genes. This study reports one of the first epigenetic clocks in plants and demonstrates the universality of age-associated DNA methylation dynamics which can inform conservation and management practices, as well as our ecological and evolutionary understanding of biological aging in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Gardner
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - Emily M Bertucci
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.,Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Andy Horcher
- US Forest Service Savannah River, New Ellenton, SC, USA
| | - Doug Aubrey
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.,Warnell School of Forestry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.,Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nguyen LNT, Nguyen LN, Zhao J, Schank M, Dang X, Cao D, Khanal S, Wu XY, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Ning S, Wang L, El Gazzar M, Moorman JP, Yao ZQ. TRF2 inhibition rather than telomerase disruption drives CD4T cell dysfunction during chronic viral infection. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:275609. [PMID: 35660868 PMCID: PMC9377711 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of telomerase and telomere repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2 or TERF2) in T-cell dysfunction in chronic viral infection. We found that the expression and activity of telomerase in CD4+ T (CD4T) cells from patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections or people living with HIV (PLWH) were intact, but TRF2 expression was significantly inhibited at the post-transcriptional level, suggesting that TRF2 inhibition is responsible for the CD4T cell dysfunction observed during chronic viral infection. Silencing TRF2 expression in CD4T cells derived from healthy subjects induced telomeric DNA damage and CD4T cell dysfunction without affecting telomerase activity or translocation - similar to what we observed in CD4T cells from HCV patients and PLWH. These findings indicate that premature T-cell aging and dysfunction during chronic HCV or HIV infection are primarily caused by chronic immune stimulation and T-cell overactivation and/or proliferation that induce telomeric DNA damage due to TRF2 inhibition, rather than telomerase disruption. This study suggests that restoring TRF2 presents a novel approach to prevent telomeric DNA damage and premature T-cell aging, thus rejuvenating T-cell functions during chronic viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lam Ngoc Thao Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Lam Nhat Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Juan Zhao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Madison Schank
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Xindi Dang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Dechao Cao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Sushant Khanal
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Xiao Y Wu
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Shunbin Ning
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Mohamed El Gazzar
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Jonathan P Moorman
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Hepatitis (HCV/HBV/HIV) Program, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Johnson City, TN 37684, USA
| | - Zhi Q Yao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.,Hepatitis (HCV/HBV/HIV) Program, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Johnson City, TN 37684, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Isolation of five different primary cell types from a single sample of human skin. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101378. [PMID: 35586317 PMCID: PMC9108981 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed a technique to isolate primary keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, preadipocytes, and microvascular endothelial cells from an individual sample of human skin. The protocol describes step-by-step instructions for processing, cells isolation, and culture of neonatal foreskin, with adaptation for more demanding adult tissues. The availability of multiple isogenic cell types derived from individual skin samples offers the ability to investigate various areas of biology, in the context of cell-type specificity without potential confounding influence of inter-individual or genetic differences. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Holliman et al. (2017), Horvath et al. (2019), Horvath et al. (2018), Kabacik et al. (2018), Lowe et al. (2020), Lu et al. (2019), and Lu et al. (2018). Protocol to isolate five different primary cell types from human skin sample Modification for more demanding adult tissue Extensive characterization of each cell type Expansion and cryopreservation for biobanking
Collapse
|
18
|
Horvath S, Lu AT, Haghani A, Zoller JA, Li CZ, Lim AR, Brooke RT, Raj K, Serres-Armero A, Dreger DL, Hogan AN, Plassais J, Ostrander EA. DNA methylation clocks for dogs and humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120887119. [PMID: 35580182 PMCID: PMC9173771 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120887119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation profiles have been used to develop biomarkers of aging known as epigenetic clocks, which predict chronological age with remarkable accuracy and show promise for inferring health status as an indicator of biological age. Epigenetic clocks were first built to monitor human aging, but their underlying principles appear to be evolutionarily conserved, as they have now been successfully developed for many mammalian species. Here, we describe reliable and highly accurate epigenetic clocks shown to apply to 93 domestic dog breeds. The methylation profiles were generated using the mammalian methylation array, which utilizes DNA sequences that are conserved across all mammalian species. Canine epigenetic clocks were constructed to estimate age and also average time to death. We also present two highly accurate human–dog dual species epigenetic clocks (R = 0.97), which may facilitate the ready translation from canine to human use (or vice versa) of antiaging treatments being developed for longevity and preventive medicine. Finally, epigenome-wide association studies here reveal individual methylation sites that may underlie the inverse relationship between breed weight and lifespan. Overall, we describe robust biomarkers to measure aging and, potentially, health status in canines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Caesar Z. Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Andrea R. Lim
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | | | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dayna L. Dreger
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Andrew N. Hogan
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jocelyn Plassais
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in marsupials: opossums, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and wallabies. GeroScience 2022; 44:1825-1845. [PMID: 35449380 PMCID: PMC9213610 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00569-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The opossum (Monodelphis domestica), with its sequenced genome, ease of laboratory care and experimental manipulation, and unique biology, is the most used laboratory marsupial. Using the mammalian methylation array, we generated DNA methylation data from n = 100 opossum samples from the ear, liver, and tail. We contrasted postnatal development and later aging effects in the opossum methylome with those in mouse (Mus musculus, C57BL/6 J strain) and other marsupial species such as Tasmanian devil, kangaroos, and wallabies. While the opossum methylome is similar to that of mouse during postnatal development, it is distinct from that shared by other mammals when it comes to the age-related gain of methylation at target sites of polycomb repressive complex 2. Our immunohistochemical staining results provide additional support for the hypothesis that PRC2 activity increases with later aging in mouse tissues but remains constant in opossum tissues. We present several epigenetic clocks for opossums that are distinguished by their compatibility with tissue type (pan-tissue and blood clock) and species (opossum and human). Two dual-species human-opossum pan-tissue clocks accurately measure chronological age and relative age, respectively. The human-opossum epigenetic clocks are expected to provide a significant boost to the attractiveness of opossum as a biological model. Additional epigenetic clocks for Tasmanian devil, red kangaroos and other species of the genus Macropus may aid species conservation efforts.
Collapse
|
20
|
Hibernation slows epigenetic ageing in yellow-bellied marmots. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:418-426. [PMID: 35256811 PMCID: PMC8986532 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Species that hibernate generally live longer than would be expected based solely on their body size. Hibernation is characterized by long periods of metabolic suppression (torpor) interspersed by short periods of increased metabolism (arousal). The torpor–arousal cycles occur multiple times during hibernation, and it has been suggested that processes controlling the transition between torpor and arousal states cause ageing suppression. Metabolic rate is also a known correlate of longevity; we thus proposed the ‘hibernation–ageing hypothesis’ whereby ageing is suspended during hibernation. We tested this hypothesis in a well-studied population of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer), which spend 7–8 months per year hibernating. We used two approaches to estimate epigenetic age: the epigenetic clock and the epigenetic pacemaker. Variation in epigenetic age of 149 samples collected throughout the life of 73 females was modelled using generalized additive mixed models (GAMM), where season (cyclic cubic spline) and chronological age (cubic spline) were fixed effects. As expected, the GAMM using epigenetic ages calculated from the epigenetic pacemaker was better able to detect nonlinear patterns in epigenetic ageing over time. We observed a logarithmic curve of epigenetic age with time, where the epigenetic age increased at a higher rate until females reached sexual maturity (two years old). With respect to circannual patterns, the epigenetic age increased during the active season and essentially stalled during the hibernation period. Taken together, our results are consistent with the hibernation–ageing hypothesis and may explain the enhanced longevity in hibernators. Species that hibernate generally have longer lifespans than expected based on their body size. The authors show epigenetic ageing patterns from a natural population of hibernating yellow-bellied marmots consistent with the hypothesis that ageing is suspended during hibernation.
Collapse
|
21
|
In Silico Predictions on the Productive Life Span and Theory of Its Developmental Origin in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060684. [PMID: 35327081 PMCID: PMC8944687 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dairy cows are susceptible to a range of welfare factors, which lead to worsening health problems and shorten their productive life span. The health and welfare status of dairy cows could be improved if unwanted abnormalities and risk factors are detected in a timely manner, i.e., before diseases start to occur. Therefore, in addition to veterinary monitoring, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of culling rate in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by registration of the reciprocal relative disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death). This indicator represents the viability index, which has a maximal value at the first lactation and decreases in subsequent lactations with an inverse exponential trend. According to available scientific information, the structural prerequisites for this index are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life; therefore, it is necessary to create a system of continuous monitoring of the physiological status of mothers and young animals. Abstract Animal welfare includes health but also concerns the need for natural factors that contribute to the increase in viability. Therefore, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of the disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death) in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by the value of the reciprocal culling/death rate (reciprocal value of Gompertz function) at the first lactation. This means that this potential of viability is formed during the developmental periods preceding the onset of lactation activity. Therefore, taking into account current data in the field of developmental biology, it can be assumed that the structural prerequisites for viability potential are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life. To prevent unfavorable deviations in these processes due to negative welfare effects, it is advisable to monitor the physiological status of mothers and young animals using biosensors and Big Data systems.
Collapse
|
22
|
Kardeh S, Saber A, Mazloomrezaei M, Hosseini A. Telomere targeting is insufficient to ameliorate multifaceted hallmarks of aging in cultured keratinocytes. Burns 2022; 48:470-471. [PMID: 34887119 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Kardeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ali Saber
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mazloomrezaei
- Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseini
- Transplantation Biology Research Center Laboratory, Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Horvath S, Haghani A, Zoller JA, Naderi A, Soltanmohammadi E, Farmaki E, Kaza V, Chatzistamou I, Kiaris H. Methylation studies in Peromyscus: aging, altitude adaptation, and monogamy. GeroScience 2022; 44:447-461. [PMID: 34698996 PMCID: PMC8810952 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00472-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation-based biomarkers of aging have been developed for humans and many other mammals and could be used to assess how stress factors impact aging. Deer mice (Peromyscus) are long-living rodents that have emerged as an informative model to study aging, adaptation to extreme environments, and monogamous behavior. In the present study, we have undertaken an exhaustive, genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in Peromyscus, spanning different species, stocks, sexes, tissues, and age cohorts. We describe DNA methylation-based estimators of age for different species of deer mice based on novel DNA methylation data generated on highly conserved mammalian CpGs measured with a custom array. The multi-tissue epigenetic clock for deer mice was trained on 3 tissues (tail, liver, and brain). Two human-Peromyscus clocks accurately measure age and relative age, respectively. We present CpGs and enriched pathways that relate to different conditions such as chronological age, high altitude, and monogamous behavior. Overall, this study provides a first step towards studying the epigenetic correlates of monogamous behavior and adaptation to high altitude in Peromyscus. The human-Peromyscus epigenetic clocks are expected to provide a significant boost to the attractiveness of Peromyscus as a biological model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Asieh Naderi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Elham Soltanmohammadi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Elena Farmaki
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Vimala Kaza
- Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
- Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
How to Slow Down the Ticking Clock: Age-Associated Epigenetic Alterations and Related Interventions to Extend Life Span. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030468. [PMID: 35159278 PMCID: PMC8915189 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations pose one major hallmark of organismal aging. Here, we provide an overview on recent findings describing the epigenetic changes that arise during aging and in related maladies such as neurodegeneration and cancer. Specifically, we focus on alterations of histone modifications and DNA methylation and illustrate the link with metabolic pathways. Age-related epigenetic, transcriptional and metabolic deregulations are highly interconnected, which renders dissociating cause and effect complicated. However, growing amounts of evidence support the notion that aging is not only accompanied by epigenetic alterations, but also at least in part induced by those. DNA methylation clocks emerged as a tool to objectively determine biological aging and turned out as a valuable source in search of factors positively and negatively impacting human life span. Moreover, specific epigenetic signatures can be used as biomarkers for age-associated disorders or even as targets for therapeutic approaches, as will be covered in this review. Finally, we summarize recent potential intervention strategies that target epigenetic mechanisms to extend healthy life span and provide an outlook on future developments in the field of longevity research.
Collapse
|
25
|
Horvath S, Haghani A, Peng S, Hales EN, Zoller JA, Raj K, Larison B, Robeck TR, Petersen JL, Bellone RR, Finno CJ. DNA methylation aging and transcriptomic studies in horses. Nat Commun 2022; 13:40. [PMID: 35013267 PMCID: PMC8748428 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27754-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytosine methylation patterns have not yet been thoroughly studied in horses. Here, we profile n = 333 samples from 42 horse tissue types at loci that are highly conserved between mammalian species using a custom array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). Using the blood and liver tissues from horses, we develop five epigenetic aging clocks: a multi-tissue clock, a blood clock, a liver clock and two dual-species clocks that apply to both horses and humans. In addition, using blood methylation data from three additional equid species (plains zebra, Grevy's zebras and Somali asses), we develop another clock that applies across all equid species. Castration does not significantly impact the epigenetic aging rate of blood or liver samples from horses. Methylation and RNA data from the same tissues define the relationship between methylation and RNA expression across horse tissues. We expect that the multi-tissue atlas will become a valuable resource.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sichong Peng
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Erin N Hales
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Joseph A Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, UK
| | - Brenda Larison
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Tropical Research, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Todd R Robeck
- Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL, USA
| | | | - Rebecca R Bellone
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Horvath S, Zoller JA, Haghani A, Jasinska AJ, Raj K, Breeze CE, Ernst J, Vaughan KL, Mattison JA. Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in the rhesus macaque. GeroScience 2021; 43:2441-2453. [PMID: 34487267 PMCID: PMC8599607 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00429-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation levels at specific CpG positions in the genome have been used to develop accurate estimators of chronological age in humans, mice, and other species. Although epigenetic clocks are generally species-specific, the principles underpinning them appear to be conserved at least across the mammalian class. This is exemplified by the successful development of epigenetic clocks for mice and several other mammalian species. Here, we describe epigenetic clocks for the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), the most widely used nonhuman primate in biological research. Using a custom methylation array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40), we profiled n = 281 tissue samples (blood, skin, adipose, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, and cerebral cortex). From these data, we generated five epigenetic clocks for macaques. These clocks differ with regard to applicability to different tissue types (pan-tissue, blood, skin), species (macaque only or both humans and macaques), and measure of age (chronological age versus relative age). Additionally, the age-based human-macaque clock exhibits a high age correlation (R = 0.89) with the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus), another Old World species. Four CpGs within the KLF14 promoter were consistently altered with age in four tissues (adipose, blood, cerebral cortex, skin). Future studies will be needed to evaluate whether these epigenetic clocks predict age-related conditions in the rhesus macaque.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Anna J. Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, USA
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, , Didcot, UK
| | | | - Jason Ernst
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Kelli L. Vaughan
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 16701 Elmer School Rd., MD 20842 Dickerson, USA
| | - Julie A. Mattison
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 16701 Elmer School Rd., MD 20842 Dickerson, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Horvath S, Zoller JA, Haghani A, Lu AT, Raj K, Jasinska AJ, Mattison JA, Salmon AB. DNA methylation age analysis of rapamycin in common marmosets. GeroScience 2021; 43:2413-2425. [PMID: 34482522 PMCID: PMC8599537 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human DNA methylation data have previously been used to develop highly accurate biomarkers of aging ("epigenetic clocks"). Subsequent studies demonstrate that similar epigenetic clocks can also be developed for mice and many other mammals. Here, we describe epigenetic clocks for common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) based on novel DNA methylation data generated from highly conserved mammalian CpGs that were profiled using a custom Infinium array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). From these, we developed and present here two epigenetic clocks for marmosets that are applicable to whole blood samples. We find that the human-marmoset clock for relative age exhibits moderately high age correlations in two other non-human primate species: vervet monkeys and rhesus macaques. In a separate cohort of marmosets, we tested whether intervention with rapamycin, a drug shown to extend lifespan in mice, would alter the epigenetic age of marmosets, as measured by the marmoset epigenetic clocks. These clocks did not detect significant effects of rapamycin on the epigenetic age of marmoset blood. The common marmoset stands out from other mammals in that it is not possible to build accurate estimators of sex based on DNA methylation data: the accuracy of a random forest predictor of sex (66%) was substantially lower than that observed for other mammals (which is close to 100%). Overall, the epigenetic clocks developed here for the common marmoset are expected to be useful for age estimation of wild-born animals and for anti-aging studies in this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, UK
| | - Anna J. Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Julie A. Mattison
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Dickerson, MD USA
| | - Adam B. Salmon
- The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, and Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Schachtschneider KM, Schook LB, Meudt JJ, Shanmuganayagam D, Zoller JA, Haghani A, Li CZ, Zhang J, Yang A, Raj K, Horvath S. Epigenetic clock and DNA methylation analysis of porcine models of aging and obesity. GeroScience 2021; 43:2467-2483. [PMID: 34523051 PMCID: PMC8599541 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00439-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-methylation profiles have been used successfully to develop highly accurate biomarkers of age, epigenetic clocks, for many species. Using a custom methylation array, we generated DNA methylation data from n = 238 porcine tissues including blood, bladder, frontal cortex, kidney, liver, and lung, from domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) and minipigs (Wisconsin Miniature Swine™). Samples used in this study originated from Large White X Landrace crossbred pigs, Large White X Minnesota minipig crossbred pigs, and Wisconsin Miniature Swine™. We present 4 epigenetic clocks for pigs that are distinguished by their compatibility with tissue type (pan-tissue and blood clock) and species (pig and human). Two dual-species human-pig pan-tissue clocks accurately measure chronological age and relative age, respectively. We also characterized CpGs that differ between minipigs and domestic pigs. Strikingly, several genes implicated by our epigenetic studies of minipig status overlap with genes (ADCY3, TFAP2B, SKOR1, and GPR61) implicated by genetic studies of body mass index in humans. In addition, CpGs with different levels of methylation between the two pig breeds were identified proximal to genes involved in blood LDL levels and cholesterol synthesis, of particular interest given the minipig's increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease compared to domestic pigs. Thus, breed-specific differences of domestic and minipigs may potentially help to identify biological mechanisms underlying weight gain and aging-associated diseases. Our porcine clocks are expected to be useful for elucidating the role of epigenetics in aging and obesity, and the testing of anti-aging interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M. Schachtschneider
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urban, IL USA
| | - Lawrence B. Schook
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA
| | - Jennifer J. Meudt
- Biomedical & Genomic Research Group, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam
- Biomedical & Genomic Research Group, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Caesar Z. Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Joshua Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Andrew Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, UK
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Gonda Building, 695 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Raj K, Szladovits B, Haghani A, Zoller JA, Li CZ, Black P, Maddox D, Robeck TR, Horvath S. Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in cats. GeroScience 2021; 43:2363-2378. [PMID: 34463900 PMCID: PMC8599556 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00445-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human DNA methylation profiles have been used successfully to develop highly accurate biomarkers of aging ("epigenetic clocks"). Although these human epigenetic clocks are not immediately applicable to all species of the animal kingdom, the principles underpinning them appear to be conserved even in animals that are evolutionarily far removed from humans. This is exemplified by recent development of epigenetic clocks for mice and other mammalian species. Here, we describe epigenetic clocks for the domestic cat (Felis catus), based on methylation profiles of CpGs with flanking DNA sequences that are highly conserved between multiple mammalian species. Methylation levels of these CpGs are measured using a custom-designed Infinium array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). From these, we present 3 epigenetic clocks for cats; of which, one applies only to blood samples from cats, while the remaining two dual-species human-cat clocks apply both to cats and humans. We demonstrate that these domestic cat clocks also lead to high age correlations in cheetahs, tigers, and lions. It is expected that these epigenetic clocks for cats possess the potential to be further developed for monitoring feline health as well as being used for identifying and validating anti-aging interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, UK
| | - Balazs Szladovits
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 695 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Gonda Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Caesar Z. Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Gonda Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | | | | | - Todd R. Robeck
- Corporate Zoological Operations, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 695 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Gonda Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in vervet monkeys. GeroScience 2021; 44:699-717. [PMID: 34591235 PMCID: PMC9135907 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation-based biomarkers of aging have been developed for many mammals but not yet for the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus), which is a valuable non-human primate model for biomedical studies. We generated novel DNA methylation data from vervet cerebral cortex, blood, and liver using highly conserved mammalian CpGs represented on a custom array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). We present six DNA methylation-based estimators of age: vervet multi-tissue epigenetic clock and tissue-specific clocks for brain cortex, blood, and liver. In addition, we developed two dual species clocks (human-vervet clocks) for measuring chronological age and relative age, respectively. Relative age was defined as ratio of chronological age to maximum lifespan to address the species differences in maximum lifespan. The high accuracy of the human-vervet clocks demonstrates that epigenetic aging processes are evolutionary conserved in primates. When applying these vervet clocks to tissue samples from another primate species, rhesus macaque, we observed high age correlations but strong offsets. We characterized CpGs that correlate significantly with age in the vervet. CpG probes that gain methylation with age across tissues were located near the targets of Polycomb proteins SUZ12 and EED and genes possessing the trimethylated H3K27 mark in their promoters. The epigenetic clocks are expected to be useful for anti-aging studies in vervets.
Collapse
|
31
|
Simpson DJ, Chandra T. Epigenetic age prediction. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13452. [PMID: 34415665 PMCID: PMC8441394 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced age is the main common risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. Yet, more is known about the molecular basis of any of these groups of diseases than the changes that accompany ageing itself. Progress in molecular ageing research was slow because the tools predicting whether someone aged slowly or fast (biological age) were unreliable. To understand ageing as a risk factor for disease and to develop interventions, the molecular ageing field needed a quantitative measure; a clock for biological age. Over the past decade, a number of age predictors utilising DNA methylation have been developed, referred to as epigenetic clocks. While they appear to estimate biological age, it remains unclear whether the methylation changes used to train the clocks are a reflection of other underlying cellular or molecular processes, or whether methylation itself is involved in the ageing process. The precise aspects of ageing that the epigenetic clocks capture remain hidden and seem to vary between predictors. Nonetheless, the use of epigenetic clocks has opened the door towards studying biological ageing quantitatively, and new clocks and applications, such as forensics, appear frequently. In this review, we will discuss the range of epigenetic clocks available, their strengths and weaknesses, and their applicability to various scientific queries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Simpson
- MRC Human Genetics UnitMRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Tamir Chandra
- MRC Human Genetics UnitMRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular MedicineUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
DNA methylation and histone variants in aging and cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 364:1-110. [PMID: 34507780 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging-related diseases such as cancer can be traced to the accumulation of molecular disorder including increased DNA mutations and epigenetic drift. We provide a comprehensive review of recent results in mice and humans on modifications of DNA methylation and histone variants during aging and in cancer. Accumulated errors in DNA methylation maintenance lead to global decreases in DNA methylation with relaxed repression of repeated DNA and focal hypermethylation blocking the expression of tumor suppressor genes. Epigenetic clocks based on quantifying levels of DNA methylation at specific genomic sites is proving to be a valuable metric for estimating the biological age of individuals. Histone variants have specialized functions in transcriptional regulation and genome stability. Their concentration tends to increase in aged post-mitotic chromatin, but their effects in cancer are mainly determined by their specialized functions. Our increased understanding of epigenetic regulation and their modifications during aging has motivated interventions to delay or reverse epigenetic modifications using the epigenetic clocks as a rapid readout for efficacity. Similarly, the knowledge of epigenetic modifications in cancer is suggesting new approaches to target these modifications for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
33
|
Prado NA, Brown JL, Zoller JA, Haghani A, Yao M, Bagryanova LR, Campana MG, E. Maldonado J, Raj K, Schmitt D, Robeck TR, Horvath S. Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in elephants. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13414. [PMID: 34118182 PMCID: PMC8282242 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-associated DNA-methylation profiles have been used successfully to develop highly accurate biomarkers of age ("epigenetic clocks") in humans, mice, dogs, and other species. Here we present epigenetic clocks for African and Asian elephants. These clocks were developed using novel DNA methylation profiles of 140 elephant blood samples of known age, at loci that are highly conserved between mammalian species, using a custom Infinium array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). We present epigenetic clocks for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), African elephants (Loxodonta africana), and both elephant species combined. Two additional human-elephant clocks were constructed by combining human and elephant samples. Epigenome-wide association studies identified elephant age-related CpGs and their proximal genes. The products of these genes play important roles in cellular differentiation, organismal development, metabolism, and circadian rhythms. Intracellular events observed to change with age included the methylation of bivalent chromatin domains, and targets of polycomb repressive complexes. These readily available epigenetic clocks can be used for elephant conservation efforts where accurate estimates of age are needed to predict demographic trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Prado
- Center for Species SurvivalSmithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteFront RoyalVAUSA
- Center for Conservation GenomicsSmithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Center for Species SurvivalSmithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteFront RoyalVAUSA
| | - Joseph A. Zoller
- Department of BiostatisticsFielding School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human GeneticsDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Mingjia Yao
- Department of BiostatisticsFielding School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Lora R. Bagryanova
- Department of EpidemiologyFielding School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaLos Angeles, Los AngelesCAUSA
| | - Michael G. Campana
- Center for Conservation GenomicsSmithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Jesús E. Maldonado
- Center for Conservation GenomicsSmithsonian Conservation Biology InstituteWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects DepartmentCentre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental HazardsPublic Health EnglandDidcotUK
| | - Dennis Schmitt
- College of AgricultureMissouri State UniversitySpringfieldMOUSA
| | | | - Steve Horvath
- Department of BiostatisticsFielding School of Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
- Department of Human GeneticsDavid Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Teeuw J, Ori APS, Brouwer RM, de Zwarte SMC, Schnack HG, Hulshoff Pol HE, Ophoff RA. Accelerated aging in the brain, epigenetic aging in blood, and polygenic risk for schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2021; 231:189-197. [PMID: 33882370 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients show signs of accelerated aging in cognitive and physiological domains. Both schizophrenia and accelerated aging, as measured by MRI brain images and epigenetic clocks, are correlated with increased mortality. However, the association between these aging measures have not yet been studied in schizophrenia patients. In schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects, accelerated aging was assessed in brain tissue using a longitudinal MRI (N = 715 scans; mean scan interval 3.4 year) and in blood using two epigenetic age clocks (N = 172). Differences ('gaps') between estimated ages and chronological ages were calculated, as well as the acceleration rate of brain aging. The correlations between these aging measures as well as with polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia (PRS; N = 394) were investigated. Brain aging and epigenetic aging were not significantly correlated. Polygenic risk for schizophrenia was significantly correlated with brain age gap, brain age acceleration rate, and negatively correlated with DNAmAge gap, but not with PhenoAge gap. However, after controlling for disease status and multiple comparisons correction, these effects were no longer significant. Our results imply that the (accelerated) aging observed in the brain and blood reflect distinct biological processes. Our findings will require replication in a larger cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jalmar Teeuw
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Anil P S Ori
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Rachel M Brouwer
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sonja M C de Zwarte
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hugo G Schnack
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hilleke E Hulshoff Pol
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roel A Ophoff
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Larocca D, Lee J, West MD, Labat I, Sternberg H. No Time to Age: Uncoupling Aging from Chronological Time. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:611. [PMID: 33919082 PMCID: PMC8143125 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular life evolved from simple unicellular organisms that could replicate indefinitely, being essentially ageless. At this point, life split into two fundamentally different cell types: the immortal germline representing an unbroken lineage of cell division with no intrinsic endpoint and the mortal soma, which ages and dies. In this review, we describe the germline as clock-free and the soma as clock-bound and discuss aging with respect to three DNA-based cellular clocks (telomeric, DNA methylation, and transposable element). The ticking of these clocks corresponds to the stepwise progressive limitation of growth and regeneration of somatic cells that we term somatic restriction. Somatic restriction acts in opposition to strategies that ensure continued germline replication and regeneration. We thus consider the plasticity of aging as a process not fixed to the pace of chronological time but one that can speed up or slow down depending on the rate of intrinsic cellular clocks. We further describe how germline factor reprogramming might be used to slow the rate of aging and potentially reverse it by causing the clocks to tick backward. Therefore, reprogramming may eventually lead to therapeutic strategies to treat degenerative diseases by altering aging itself, the one condition common to us all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jieun Lee
- AgeX Therapeutics Inc., Alameda, CA 94501, USA; (J.L.); (M.D.W.); (I.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Michael D. West
- AgeX Therapeutics Inc., Alameda, CA 94501, USA; (J.L.); (M.D.W.); (I.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Ivan Labat
- AgeX Therapeutics Inc., Alameda, CA 94501, USA; (J.L.); (M.D.W.); (I.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Hal Sternberg
- AgeX Therapeutics Inc., Alameda, CA 94501, USA; (J.L.); (M.D.W.); (I.L.); (H.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sui Y, Peng S. A Mechanism Leading to Changes in Copy Number Variations Affected by Transcriptional Level Might Be Involved in Evolution, Embryonic Development, Senescence, and Oncogenesis Mediated by Retrotransposons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:618113. [PMID: 33644055 PMCID: PMC7905054 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.618113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, more and more evidence has emerged showing that changes in copy number variations (CNVs) correlated with the transcriptional level can be found during evolution, embryonic development, and oncogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. The success of the induced pluripotent stem cell suggests that genome changes could bring about transformations in protein expression and cell status; conversely, genome alterations generated during embryonic development and senescence might also be the result of genome changes. With rapid developments in science and technology, evidence of changes in the genome affected by transcriptional level has gradually been revealed, and a rational and concrete explanation is needed. Given the preference of the HIV-1 genome to insert into transposons of genes with high transcriptional levels, we propose a mechanism based on retrotransposons facilitated by specific pre-mRNA splicing style and homologous recombination (HR) to explain changes in CNVs in the genome. This mechanism is similar to that of the group II intron that originated much earlier. Under this proposed mechanism, CNVs on genome are dynamically and spontaneously extended in a manner that is positively correlated with transcriptional level or contract as the cell divides during evolution, embryonic development, senescence, and oncogenesis, propelling alterations in them. Besides, this mechanism explains several critical puzzles in these processes. From evidence collected to date, it can be deduced that the message contained in genome is not just three-dimensional but will become four-dimensional, carrying more genetic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Sui
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cohen AA, Legault V, Fülöp T. What if there’s no such thing as “aging”? Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 192:111344. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
38
|
Matsuyama M, Søraas A, Yu S, Kim K, Stavrou EX, Caimi PF, Wald D, deLima M, Dahl JA, Horvath S, Matsuyama S. Analysis of epigenetic aging in vivo and in vitro: Factors controlling the speed and direction. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1543-1551. [PMID: 32762265 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220947015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Aging is associated with DNA methylation (DNAm) changes. Recent advancement of the whole-genome DNAm analysis technology allowed scientists to develop DNAm-based age estimators. A majority of these estimators use DNAm data from a single tissue type such as blood. In 2013, a multi-tissue age estimator using DNAm pattern of 353 CpGs was developed by Steve Horvath. This estimator was named "epigenetic clock", and the improved version using DNAm pattern of 391 CpGs was developed in 2018. The estimated age by epigenetic clock is named DNAmAge. DNAmAge can be used as a biomarker of aging predicting the risk of age-associated diseases and mortality. Although the DNAm-based age estimators were developed, the mechanism of epigenetic aging is still enigmatic. The biological significance of epigenetic aging is not well understood, either. This minireview discusses the current understanding of the mechanism of epigenetic aging and the future direction of aging research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mieko Matsuyama
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Arne Søraas
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Sarah Yu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Kyuhyeon Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Evi X Stavrou
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Paolo F Caimi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - David Wald
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Marcos deLima
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - John A Dahl
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shigemi Matsuyama
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Epigenetic clock analysis of human fibroblasts in vitro: effects of hypoxia, donor age, and expression of hTERT and SV40 largeT. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:3012-3022. [PMID: 31113906 PMCID: PMC6555444 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a genome-wide change of DNA methylation (DNAm). "DNAm age" is defined as the predicted chronological age by the age estimator based on DNAm. The estimator is called the epigenetic clock. The molecular mechanism underlining the epigenetic clock is still unknown. Here, we evaluated the effects of hypoxia and two immortalization factors, hTERT and SV40-LargeT (LT), on the DNAm age of human fibroblasts in vitro. We detected the cell division-associated progression of DNAm age after >10 population doublings. Moreover, the progression of DNAm age was slower under hypoxia (1% oxygen) compared to normoxia (21% oxygen), suggesting that oxygen levels determine the speed of the epigenetic aging. We show that the speed of cell division-associated DNAm age progression depends on the chronological age of the cell donor. hTERT expression did not arrest cell division-associated progression of DNAm age in most cells. SV40LT expression produced inconsistent effects, including rejuvenation of DNAm age. Our results show that a) oxygen and the targets of SV40LT (e.g. p53) modulate epigenetic aging rates and b) the chronological age of donor cells determines the speed of mitosis-associated DNAm age progression in daughter cells.
Collapse
|
40
|
Horvath S, Lu AT, Cohen H, Raj K. Rapamycin retards epigenetic ageing of keratinocytes independently of its effects on replicative senescence, proliferation and differentiation. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:3238-3249. [PMID: 31136303 PMCID: PMC6555449 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The advent of epigenetic clocks has prompted questions about the place of epigenetic ageing within the current understanding of ageing biology. It was hitherto unclear whether epigenetic ageing represents a distinct mode of ageing or a manifestation of a known characteristic of ageing. We report here that epigenetic ageing is not affected by replicative senescence, telomere length, somatic cell differentiation, cellular proliferation rate or frequency. It is instead retarded by rapamycin, the potent inhibitor of the mTOR complex which governs many pathways relating to cellular metabolism. Rapamycin, however, is also an effective inhibitor of cellular senescence. Hence cellular metabolism underlies two independent arms of ageing - cellular senescence and epigenetic ageing. The demonstration that a compound that targets metabolism can slow epigenetic ageing provides a long-awaited point-of-entry into elucidating the molecular pathways that underpin the latter. Lastly, we report here an in vitro assay, validated in humans, that recapitulates human epigenetic ageing that can be used to investigate and identify potential interventions that can inhibit or retard it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ake T Lu
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Howard Cohen
- Elizabeth House Medical Practice, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9LF, United Kingdom
| | - Ken Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pohl E, Muschal S, Kliesch S, Zitzmann M, Rohayem J, Gromoll J, Laurentino S. Molecular Aging Markers in Patients with Klinefelter Syndrome. Aging Dis 2020; 11:470-476. [PMID: 32489693 PMCID: PMC7220296 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular aging markers provide the opportunity for biological age determination in humans and to study factors, such as genetic determinants, affecting the ageing process. In males with Klinefelter syndrome (KS, non-mosaic karyotype 47, XXY), which is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy, age-related morbidity and mortality are increased, and a significantly reduced life span has been observed. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Klinefelter patients exhibit molecular signs of premature ageing. We studied, specifically, age-associated DNA methylation patterns (by pyrosequencing) and relative telomere length (TL; by quantitative polymerase chain reaction) in blood in a cohort of Klinefelter patients (n=178 and 266 for DNA methylation and TL, respectively) aged 18-71 years and compared them to the data of age-matched healthy male (n = 184 and 196 for DNA methylation and TL, respectively) and female controls (n = 50). Age-associated DNA methylation patterns were not indicative of accelerated ageing in Klinefelter men. Significantly longer telomeres were found in the young Klinefelter subjects aged 18-24 years (mean=1.51 vs. 1.09 and 1.26 in female and male controls, respectively). However, telomere length in subsequent age groups showed no difference to controls. Gonosomal aneuploidy in Klinefelter syndrome is associated with higher baseline TL at adolescent age, but comparable TL with progressive age in other age groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pohl
- 1Institute for Human Genetics, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sina Muschal
- 2Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- 2Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Zitzmann
- 2Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Julia Rohayem
- 2Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Gromoll
- 3Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sandra Laurentino
- 3Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Raj K, Horvath S. Current perspectives on the cellular and molecular features of epigenetic ageing. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1532-1542. [PMID: 32276545 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220918329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT The field of epigenetic ageing is relatively new, and the speed of its expansion presents a challenge in keeping abreast with new discoveries and their implications. Several reviews have already addressed the great number of pathologies, health conditions, life-style, and external stressors that are associated with changes to the rate of epigenetic ageing. While these associations highlight and affirm the ability of epigenetic clock to capture biologically meaningful changes associated with age, they do not inform us about the underlying mechanisms. In this very early period since the development of the clock, there have been rather limited experimental research that are aimed at uncovering the mechanism. Hence, the perspective that we proffer is derived from available but nevertheless limited lines of evidence that together provide a seemingly coherent narrative that can be tested. This, we believe would be helpful towards uncovering the workings of the epigenetic clock.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lu AT, Quach A, Wilson JG, Reiner AP, Aviv A, Raj K, Hou L, Baccarelli AA, Li Y, Stewart JD, Whitsel EA, Assimes TL, Ferrucci L, Horvath S. DNA methylation GrimAge strongly predicts lifespan and healthspan. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:303-327. [PMID: 30669119 PMCID: PMC6366976 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 992] [Impact Index Per Article: 248.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/1969] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It was unknown whether plasma protein levels can be estimated based on DNA methylation (DNAm) levels, and if so, how the resulting surrogates can be consolidated into a powerful predictor of lifespan. We present here, seven DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins including those of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and growth differentiation factor 15. The resulting predictor of lifespan, DNAm GrimAge (in units of years), is a composite biomarker based on the seven DNAm surrogates and a DNAm-based estimator of smoking pack-years. Adjusting DNAm GrimAge for chronological age generated novel measure of epigenetic age acceleration, AgeAccelGrim.Using large scale validation data from thousands of individuals, we demonstrate that DNAm GrimAge stands out among existing epigenetic clocks in terms of its predictive ability for time-to-death (Cox regression P=2.0E-75), time-to-coronary heart disease (Cox P=6.2E-24), time-to-cancer (P= 1.3E-12), its strong relationship with computed tomography data for fatty liver/excess visceral fat, and age-at-menopause (P=1.6E-12). AgeAccelGrim is strongly associated with a host of age-related conditions including comorbidity count (P=3.45E-17). Similarly, age-adjusted DNAm PAI-1 levels are associated with lifespan (P=5.4E-28), comorbidity count (P= 7.3E-56) and type 2 diabetes (P=2.0E-26). These DNAm-based biomarkers show the expected relationship with lifestyle factors including healthy diet and educational attainment.Overall, these epigenetic biomarkers are expected to find many applications including human anti-aging studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ake T Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Austin Quach
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - James G Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Alex P Reiner
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Abraham Aviv
- Center of Development and Aging, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Kenneth Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Lifang Hou
- Center for Population Epigenetics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Laboratory of Environmental Epigenetics, Departments of Environmental Health Sciences Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yun Li
- Departments of Genetics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - James D Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Eric A Whitsel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Themistocles L Assimes
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiovascular Medicine), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, USA, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bell CG, Lowe R, Adams PD, Baccarelli AA, Beck S, Bell JT, Christensen BC, Gladyshev VN, Heijmans BT, Horvath S, Ideker T, Issa JPJ, Kelsey KT, Marioni RE, Reik W, Relton CL, Schalkwyk LC, Teschendorff AE, Wagner W, Zhang K, Rakyan VK. DNA methylation aging clocks: challenges and recommendations. Genome Biol 2019; 20:249. [PMID: 31767039 PMCID: PMC6876109 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1824-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 437] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic clocks comprise a set of CpG sites whose DNA methylation levels measure subject age. These clocks are acknowledged as a highly accurate molecular correlate of chronological age in humans and other vertebrates. Also, extensive research is aimed at their potential to quantify biological aging rates and test longevity or rejuvenating interventions. Here, we discuss key challenges to understand clock mechanisms and biomarker utility. This requires dissecting the drivers and regulators of age-related changes in single-cell, tissue- and disease-specific models, as well as exploring other epigenomic marks, longitudinal and diverse population studies, and non-human models. We also highlight important ethical issues in forensic age determination and predicting the trajectory of biological aging in an individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Bell
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Robert Lowe
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Peter D Adams
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Stephan Beck
- Medical Genomics, Paul O'Gorman Building, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Bastiaan T Heijmans
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, Gonda Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Trey Ideker
- San Diego Center for Systems Biology, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Karl T Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Caroline L Relton
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC IEU), School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | | | - Andrew E Teschendorff
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen Faculty of Medicine, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kang Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau.
| | - Vardhman K Rakyan
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Angelova DM, Brown DR. Microglia and the aging brain: are senescent microglia the key to neurodegeneration? J Neurochem 2019; 151:676-688. [PMID: 31478208 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The single largest risk factor for etiology of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease is increased age. Therefore, understanding the changes that occur as a result of aging is central to any possible prevention or cure for such conditions. Microglia, the resident brain glial population most associated with both protection of neurons in health and their destruction is disease, could be a significant player in age related changes. Microglia can adopt an aberrant phenotype sometimes referred to either as dystrophic or senescent. While aged microglia have been frequently identified in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, there is no conclusive evidence that proves a causal role. This has been hampered by a lack of models of aged microglia. We have recently generated a model of senescent microglia based on the observation that all dystrophic microglia show iron overload. Iron-overloading cultured microglia causes them to take on a senescent phenotype and can cause changes in models of neurodegeneration similar to those observed in patients. This review considers how this model could be used to determine the role of senescent microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dafina M Angelova
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - David R Brown
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lu AT, Seeboth A, Tsai PC, Sun D, Quach A, Reiner AP, Kooperberg C, Ferrucci L, Hou L, Baccarelli AA, Li Y, Harris SE, Corley J, Taylor A, Deary IJ, Stewart JD, Whitsel EA, Assimes TL, Chen W, Li S, Mangino M, Bell JT, Wilson JG, Aviv A, Marioni RE, Raj K, Horvath S. DNA methylation-based estimator of telomere length. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:5895-5923. [PMID: 31422385 PMCID: PMC6738410 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is associated with several aging-related diseases. Here, we present a DNA methylation estimator of TL (DNAmTL) based on 140 CpGs. Leukocyte DNAmTL is applicable across the entire age spectrum and is more strongly associated with age than measured leukocyte TL (LTL) (r ~-0.75 for DNAmTL versus r ~ -0.35 for LTL). Leukocyte DNAmTL outperforms LTL in predicting: i) time-to-death (p=2.5E-20), ii) time-to-coronary heart disease (p=6.6E-5), iii) time-to-congestive heart failure (p=3.5E-6), and iv) association with smoking history (p=1.21E-17). These associations are further validated in large scale methylation data (n=10k samples) from the Framingham Heart Study, Women's Health Initiative, Jackson Heart Study, InChianti, Lothian Birth Cohorts, Twins UK, and Bogalusa Heart Study. Leukocyte DNAmTL is also associated with measures of physical fitness/functioning (p=0.029), age-at-menopause (p=0.039), dietary variables (omega 3, fish, vegetable intake), educational attainment (p=3.3E-8) and income (p=3.1E-5). Experiments in cultured somatic cells show that DNAmTL dynamics reflect in part cell replication rather than TL per se. DNAmTL is not only an epigenetic biomarker of replicative history of cells, but a useful marker of age-related pathologies that are associated with it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ake T. Lu
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anne Seeboth
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Dianjianyi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Austin Quach
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alex P. Reiner
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Charles Kooperberg
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Lifang Hou
- Center for Population Epigenetics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Andrea A. Baccarelli
- Laboratory of Environmental Epigenetics, Departments of Environmental Health Sciences Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yun Li
- Departments of Genetics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sarah E. Harris
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Janie Corley
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Adele Taylor
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Ian J. Deary
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - James D. Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Eric A. Whitsel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Themistocles L. Assimes
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Shengxu Li
- Children’s Minnesota Research Institute, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
| | - Massimo Mangino
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Jordana T. Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - James G. Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Abraham Aviv
- Center of Development and Aging, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Riccardo E. Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Kenneth Raj
- Radiation Effects Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tekola-Ayele F, Workalemahu T, Gorfu G, Shrestha D, Tycko B, Wapner R, Zhang C, Louis GMB. Sex differences in the associations of placental epigenetic aging with fetal growth. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:5412-5432. [PMID: 31395791 PMCID: PMC6710059 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Identifying factors that influence fetal growth in a sex-specific manner can help unravel mechanisms that explain sex differences in adverse neonatal outcomes and in-utero origins of cardiovascular disease disparities. Premature aging of the placenta, a tissue that supports fetal growth and exhibits sex-specific epigenetic changes, is associated with pregnancy complications. Using DNA methylation-based age estimator, we investigated the sex-specific relationship of placental epigenetic aging with fetal growth across 13-40 weeks gestation, neonatal size, and risk of low birth weight. Placental epigenetic age acceleration (PAA), the difference between DNA methylation age and gestational age, was associated with reduced fetal weight among males but with increased fetal weight among females. PAA was inversely associated with fetal weight, abdominal circumference, and biparietal diameter at 32-40 weeks among males but was positively associated with all growth measures among females across 13-40 weeks. A 1-week increase in PAA was associated with 2-fold (95% CI 1.2, 3.2) increased odds for low birth weight and 1.5-fold (95% CI 1.1, 2.0) increased odds for small-for-gestational age among males. In all, fetal growth was significantly reduced in males but not females exposed to a rapidly aging placenta. Epigenetic aging of the placenta may underlie sex differences in neonatal outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tsegaselassie Workalemahu
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gezahegn Gorfu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Deepika Shrestha
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Hackensack-Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation and the Hackensack-Meridian Health School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Ronald Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Germaine M. Buck Louis
- Dean’s Office, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Adwan Shekhidem H, Sharvit L, Leman E, Manov I, Roichman A, Holtze S, M Huffman D, Y Cohen H, Bernd Hildebrandt T, Shams I, Atzmon G. Telomeres and Longevity: A Cause or an Effect? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133233. [PMID: 31266154 PMCID: PMC6651551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere dynamics have been found to be better predictors of survival and mortality than chronological age. Telomeres, the caps that protect the end of linear chromosomes, are known to shorten with age, inducing cell senescence and aging. Furthermore, differences in age-related telomere attrition were established between short-lived and long-lived organisms. However, whether telomere length is a “biological thermometer” that reflects the biological state at a certain point in life or a biomarker that can influence biological conditions, delay senescence and promote longevity is still an ongoing debate. We cross-sectionally tested telomere length in different tissues of two long-lived (naked mole-rat and Spalax) and two short-lived (rat and mice) species to tease out this enigma. While blood telomere length of the naked mole-rat (NMR) did not shorten with age but rather showed a mild elongation, telomere length in three tissues tested in the Spalax declined with age, just like in short-lived rodents. These findings in the NMR, suggest an age buffering mechanism, while in Spalax tissues the shortening of the telomeres are in spite of its extreme longevity traits. Therefore, using long-lived species as models for understanding the role of telomeres in longevity is of great importance since they may encompass mechanisms that postpone aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lital Sharvit
- Department of Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Eva Leman
- Institute of Evolution and Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irena Manov
- Institute of Evolution and Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Asael Roichman
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Derek M Huffman
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology, Medicine, and the Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Haim Y Cohen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Thomas Bernd Hildebrandt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
- Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Imad Shams
- Institute of Evolution and Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Gil Atzmon
- Department of Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sturm G, Cardenas A, Bind MA, Horvath S, Wang S, Wang Y, Hägg S, Hirano M, Picard M. Human aging DNA methylation signatures are conserved but accelerated in cultured fibroblasts. Epigenetics 2019; 14:961-976. [PMID: 31156022 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1626651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with progressive and site-specific changes in DNA methylation (DNAm). These global changes are captured by DNAm clocks that accurately predict chronological age in humans but relatively little is known about how clocks perform in vitro. Here we culture primary human fibroblasts across the cellular lifespan (~6 months) and use four different DNAm clocks to show that age-related DNAm signatures are conserved and accelerated in vitro. The Skin & Blood clock shows the best linear correlation with chronological time (r = 0.90), including during replicative senescence. Although similar in nature, the rate of epigenetic aging is approximately 62x times faster in cultured cells than in the human body. Consistent with in vivo data, cells aged under hyperglycemic conditions exhibit an approximately three years elevation in baseline DNAm age. Moreover, candidate gene-based analyses further corroborate the conserved but accelerated biological aging process in cultured fibroblasts. Fibroblasts mirror the established DNAm topology of the age-related ELOVL2 gene in human blood and the rapid hypermethylation of its promoter cg16867657, which correlates with a linear decrease in ELOVL2 mRNA levels across the lifespan. Using generalized additive modeling on twelve timepoints across the lifespan, we also show how single CpGs exhibit loci-specific, linear and nonlinear trajectories that reach rates up to -47% (hypomethylation) to +23% (hypermethylation) per month. Together, these high-temporal resolution global, gene-specific, and single CpG data highlight the conserved and accelerated nature of epigenetic aging in cultured fibroblasts, which may constitute a system to evaluate age-modifying interventions across the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Sturm
- a Department of Psychiatry, Division of Behavioral Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- b Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health , Berkeley , CA , USA
| | - Marie-Abèle Bind
- c Department of Statistics, Harvard University , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- d Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- e Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
| | - Yunzhang Wang
- f Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Sara Hägg
- f Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Michio Hirano
- g Department of Neurology, H. Houston Merritt Center, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
| | - Martin Picard
- a Department of Psychiatry, Division of Behavioral Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center , New York , NY , USA.,g Department of Neurology, H. Houston Merritt Center, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center , New York , NY , USA.,h Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health , New York , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gillespie SL, Hardy LR, Anderson CM. Patterns of DNA methylation as an indicator of biological aging: State of the science and future directions in precision health promotion. Nurs Outlook 2019; 67:337-344. [PMID: 31248628 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A rapidly expanding literature suggests that individuals of the same chronological age show significant variation in biological age. PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to review the literature surrounding epigenetic age as estimated by DNA methylation, involving the addition or removal of methyl groups to DNA that can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. METHODS This state of the science literature review summarizes current approaches in epigenetic age determination and applications of aging algorithms. FINDINGS A number of algorithms estimate epigenetic age using DNA methylation markers, primarily among adults. Algorithm application has focused on determining predictive value for risk of disease and death and identifying antecedents to age acceleration. Several studies have incorporated epigenetic age to evaluate intervention effectiveness. DISCUSSION As the research community continues to refine aging algorithms, there may be opportunity to promote health from a precision health perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Gillespie
- Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, & Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
| | - Lynda R Hardy
- Center for Research and Health Analytics, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Cindy M Anderson
- Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, & Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| |
Collapse
|