🔬TODAY’S BREAKTHROUGH
Most studies focus on genes that change with age, but what about those that stay stable? A new study identifies age-invariant genes that resist aging across 17 mouse tissues.
The Discovery:
Using bulk RNA-seq from 17 tissues across the mouse lifespan, researchers discovered 9 pan-tissue age-invariant genes and dozens of tissue-specific ones. Unlike classic reference genes (like GAPDH or ACTB), which often vary with age, these genes remain stable, making them powerful tools for aging research and biomarkers of cellular resilience.
The Science:
9 pan-tissue age-invariant genes were validated across >1,100 samples, including Tomm22, Srp14, Rexo2, Psmd4, Brk1, Gemin7, Rer1, Fis1, and 1110004F10Rik.
These genes resist transcriptional drift across the lifespan and showed low variability independent of age, sex, or frailty.
Many are essential for survival: knockouts in 7 of 9 genes cause cell or embryonic lethality.
Age-invariant genes are enriched in mitochondrial function (Fis1, Rexo2, Tomm22) and proteostasis (Psmd4, Rer1, Srp14).
Pathway enrichment showed stability in hallmarks like loss of proteostasis, nutrient sensing, and mitochondrial function, but not in epigenetic alterations, senescence, or extracellular matrix pathways, suggesting those are most vulnerable to aging.
Your Action:
While this is early-stage mouse research, it highlights why some cellular systems collapse with age while others remain stable. For now, protect your mitochondria and proteostasis, through regular exercise, a protein-balanced diet, heat/cold exposure, and adequate sleep, which all support these same resilient pathways.
Bottom Line:
Identifying age-invariant genes offers a new lens: longevity isn’t just about what declines, it’s also about what endures.
Source:
Age-invariant genes: multi-tissue identification and characterization of murine reference genes. Aging. González JT, Thrush-Evensen K, Meer M, Levine ME, Higgins-Chen AT. Published: January 27, 2025.
https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206192
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.