Longitudinal profiling of the blood transcriptome in an African green monkey aging model

Transcriptome analysis of cynomolgus macaques throughout their lifespan reveals age-related immune patterns

Despite the different perspectives by diverse research sectors spanning several decades, aging research remains uncharted territory for human beings. Therefore, we investigated the transcriptomic characteristics of eight male healthy cynomolgus macaques, and the annual sampling was designed with two individuals in four age groups. As a laboratory animal, the macaques were meticulously shielded from all environmental factors except aging. The results showed recent findings of certain immune response and the age-associated network of primate immunity. Three important aging patterns were identified and each gene clusters represented a different immune response. The increased expression pattern was predominantly associated with innate immune cells, such as Neutrophils and NK cells, causing chronic inflammation with aging whereas the other two decreased patterns were associated with adaptive immunity, especially "B cell activation" affecting antibody diversity of aging. Furthermore, the hub gene network of the patterns reflected transcriptomic age and correlated with human illness status, aiding in future human disease prediction. Our macaque transcriptome profiling results offer systematic insights into the age-related immunological features of primates.

A morphological study and the variability in the number of infraorbital foramina in the African green monkey (Grivet) (Chlorocebus aethiops) using microcomputed tomography

Knowledge of the nonhuman primate morphology and anatomy related to craniofacial mechanoreception is essential for a fundamental understanding of the incidents that have occurred during the evolution of craniofacial features. The present study focuses on the variability in the number of infraorbital foramina and associated anatomical structures such as the infraorbital canal (IOC) and the infraorbital groove (IOG), as they are considered to play an important role in the behavioral ecology of these animals. A total of 19 skulls of Chlorocebus aethiops were analyzed. The number of infraorbital foramina was assessed macroscopically using a magnifying glass and a small diameter probe. Three dimensional (3D) projections and morphometric analysis of the infraorbital foramina, IOCs, and IOGs were performed using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) for two skulls that represent one of the most common morphological types. Regardless of sex and body side, the most common morphological type observed in the studied species is the presence of three infraorbital foramina. The IOC takes a funnel or pinched shape. 3D projections were made to assess the course of the infraorbital vascular and nerve bundles in selected individuals. The results indicate a high morphological diversity within the species, although there appears to be a consistent distribution pattern of infraorbital neurovascular bundles in species of the Cercopithecidae family. The use of X-ray micro-CT allowed 3D visualization of the maxillary region to determine the variability of the infraorbital foramina and to track the division of the infraorbital neurovascular bundle in the case of the most common macroscopic expression of the number of the infraorbital foramen in C. aethiops, as well as the morphometric of the IOCs and IOGs which are related to mechanoreception of the primate's snout.

Candidate Genes and Gene Networks Change with Age in Japanese Black Cattle by Blood Transcriptome Analysis

Age is an important physiological factor that affects the metabolism and immune function of beef cattle. While there have been many studies using the blood transcriptome to study the effects of age on gene expression, few have been reported on beef cattle. To this end, we used the blood transcriptomes of Japanese black cattle at different ages as the study subjects and screened 1055, 345, and 1058 differential expressed genes (DEGs) in the calf vs. adult, adult vs. old, and calf vs. old comparison groups, respectively. The weighted co-expression network consisted of 1731 genes. Finally, blue, brown, and yellow age-specific modules were obtained, in which genes were enriched in signaling pathways related to growth and development and immune metabolic dysfunction, respectively. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis showed gene interactions in each specific module, and 20 of the highest connectivity genes were chosen as potential hub genes. Finally, we identified 495, 244, and 1007 genes by exon-wide selection signature (EWSS) analysis of different comparison groups. Combining the results of hub genes, we found that VWF, PARVB, PRKCA, and TGFB1I1 could be used as candidate genes for growth and development stages of beef cattle. CORO2B and SDK1 could be used as candidate marker genes associated with aging. In conclusion, by comparing the blood transcriptome of calves, adult cattle, and old cattle, the candidate genes related to immunity and metabolism affected by age were identified, and the gene co-expression network of different age stages was constructed. It provides a data basis for exploring the growth, development, and aging of beef cattle.

New Perspectives on Avian Models for Studies of Basic Aging Processes

Avian models have the potential to elucidate basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the slow aging rates and exceptional longevity typical of this group of vertebrates. To date, most studies of avian aging have focused on relatively few of the phenomena now thought to be intrinsic to the aging process, but primarily on responses to oxidative stress and telomere dynamics. But a variety of whole-animal and cell-based approaches to avian aging and stress resistance have been developed-especially the use of primary cell lines and isolated erythrocytes-which permit other processes to be investigated. In this review, we highlight newer studies using these approaches. We also discuss recent research on age-related changes in neural function in birds in the context of sensory changes relevant to homing and navigation, as well as the maintenance of song. More recently, with the advent of "-omic" methodologies, including whole-genome studies, new approaches have gained momentum for investigating the mechanistic basis of aging in birds. Overall, current research suggests that birds exhibit an enhanced resistance to the detrimental effects of oxidative damage and maintain higher than expected levels of cellular function as they age. There is also evidence that genetic signatures associated with cellular defenses, as well as metabolic and immune function, are enhanced in birds but data are still lacking relative to that available from more conventional model organisms. We are optimistic that continued development of avian models in geroscience, especially under controlled laboratory conditions, will provide novel insights into the exceptional longevity of this animal taxon.