The activity of mammalian genes affects the maximum lifespan of a species. This has been demonstrated by a study published in a preprint database. bioRxiv.
The maximum lifespan of different mammal species varies by an order of size: small rodents live for a few years, while bowhead whales can live for more than two centuries. The authors of the new study used epigenetic data from 348 mammal species to test how gene activity affects this. Epigenetic marks (such as methyl marks) are chemical modifications to DNA that can increase or decrease the activity of a particular gene.
Using data on CpG methyl marks, the researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to predict the maximum lifespan of each species. The algorithm predicted that the desert hamster’s maximum lifespan would be 4.8 years; This fully agrees with biologists’ observations. However, he also predicted that humans could live for a maximum of 98 years, although some have been known to reach 119 years.
Another limitation of the analysis is that methylation patterns vary between tissues such as blood and skin, so different samples may give different estimates. Additionally, the algorithm was unable to predict the lifespan of a particular individual. Instead, he estimated the age of the oldest member of the species.
Additionally, other epigenetic marks not examined in this study may also affect maximum lifespan. The study shows that CpG methylation is associated with maximum lifespan, but a cause-effect relationship has not been identified. Until scientists discover the biochemistry underlying how epigenetics affects aging, it is unclear whether manipulating epigenetic marks can extend lifespan.
Formerly a dietary supplement elongated The lifespan of mice decreased by 12%.