Epigenetics linked to the maximum life spans of mammals — including us

Why do common shrews live for only two years, while bowhead whales survive for two centuries? And could the answer give us hints as to how to extend our own, human life spans?

One such modification is DNA methylation, the addition of molecules called methyl groups to cytosine , one of the four "letters" within DNA's code. Methylation often occurs when C sits next to guanine bases at so-called CpG sites in DNA. Using epigenetic data from 348 mammal species, the researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to predict the maximum life span of each species based on CpG methylation patterns. The algorithm predicted the maximum life span of each species as a whole but not the longevity of any one individual. It was even possible to predict a species' maximum life span without knowing which species a sample came from, New Scientist reported.

"I think it was a fascinating first step to understand the inherent differences in species life span — something that the field has been discussing for a long time now," James White, who researches aging at Duke University and was not involved with the work but collaborates with the authors on other projects, told Live Science.

Until scientists discover the underpinning biochemistry of how epigenetics influences aging, it's unclear whether therapeutically targeting these epigenetic features could boost longevity.

Education Education Latest News, Education Education Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Melbourne University, Melbourne (AU) job with University of Melbourne & Peter MacCallum Cancer CentrePostdoctoral Research Fellow – Cancer Cell Cycle Biology and Cancer Epigenetics The Goel Lab at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne is seeking applications for a postdoctoral research scientist.
Source: Nature - 🏆 64. / 68 Read more »

Student encampments end at San Jose State University and University of San FranciscoAt several colleges throughout the Bay Area, administrators are hearing pro-Palestinian student protesters’ demands with varying degrees of agreement.
Source: mercnews - 🏆 88. / 68 Read more »

Faculty Recruitment, Westlake University School of Medicine - Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China job with Westlake UniversityFounded in 2018, Westlake University is a new type of non-profit research-oriented university in Hangzhou, China, supported by public and private funding.
Source: Nature - 🏆 64. / 68 Read more »

Southeast University Future Technology Institute Recruitment Notice - Nanjing, Jiangsu (CN) job with Southeast UniversityIntroduction to the Institute: Southeast University is one of the first 12 units in the country to establish a Future Technology Institute and is an important part of China's New Engineering 2.0 Plan.
Source: Nature - 🏆 64. / 68 Read more »

Temple University is exploring a potential merger to save University of the Arts, chairman says“I’m working with their chair to see if we can put this genie back in the bottle,” said Mitchell L. Morgan, Temple’s board chair.
Source: PhillyDailyNews - 🏆 89. / 67 Read more »

University of the Arts board hires management firm to close university; faculty plan mid-morning protestUniversity of the Arts board of trustees has hired Alvarez & Marsal, a global consulting firm to “help us urgently address the needs of our students, faculty and staff.”
Source: PhillyDailyNews - 🏆 89. / 67 Read more »