The pace of a mammal’s aging and its overall lifespan are influenced by gene activity across the species. This relationship has been explored through a study that relies on data shared in a preprint repository called bioRxiv.
Across mammals, the maximum lifespan spans a wide range. Small rodents may live only a few years, while bowhead whales can surpass two centuries. In the new analysis, researchers assembled epigenetic data from 348 mammal species to examine how gene regulation relates to these life spans. Epigenetic marks are chemical changes to DNA that can turn genes on or off, influencing biology without altering the genetic code itself.
Focusing on CpG methylation marks, the scientists built a machine learning model to estimate the longest possible life for each species. The model’s prediction for the desert hamster was about 4.8 years in the wild record, matching observed longevity. The same model suggested humans could reach roughly 98 years, though there are individuals known to live longer, approaching the century mark.
A notable limitation is that methylation patterns differ across tissues, so samples from blood, skin, and other tissues can yield varying estimates. The model could not forecast the lifespan of a single individual and instead provided an estimate for the oldest member of each species, reflecting population-level aging tendencies rather than personal destinies.
Other epigenetic markers not examined in this study may also influence maximum lifespan. The results show an association between CpG methylation and lifespan ceilings, but they do not establish a direct cause-and-effect pathway. Until scientists uncover the biochemical links tying epigenetic changes to aging, it remains uncertain whether adjusting these marks could extend healthy life in practice.
Historical observations have shown that certain interventions can alter lifespan measures in model organisms. For instance, some dietary supplements have produced measurable changes in mouse longevity under controlled conditions, though translating these findings to other species or humans requires careful validation and consideration of safety and context.