Scientists have uncovered a fascinating link between ancient viruses embedded in our DNA and the rate at which we age. According to a recent study by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and the epigenetics company TruDiagnostic, these ancient viral remnants, known as retroelements, could serve as precise markers for predicting biological age. This groundbreaking discovery, highlighted by SciTech Daily, opens new doors in understanding the aging process and could lead to innovative treatments to combat age-related diseases.
What Are These Ancient Viruses?
Retroelements are fragments of ancient viral DNA that have integrated into our genome over millions of years. These sequences originate from retroviruses—viruses that insert their genetic material into the DNA of the host cell. While most of these viral remnants are inactive, they make up nearly half of our genetic material and have long been considered “junk” DNA. However, recent research suggests that retroelements play significant roles in gene regulation, expression, and genomic stability.
How Were They Discovered to Affect Aging?
The team at Weill Cornell Medicine analyzed epigenetic data from 12,670 individuals aged between 12 and 100 years old. Using a machine learning model developed by TruDiagnostic, they focused on DNA methylation patterns—chemical tags called methyl groups attached to DNA that influence gene expression. Specifically, they examined methylation on retroelements, including human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs).
By studying these patterns, the researchers developed a new epigenetic clock called “Retro-Age.” This clock proved to be highly accurate in predicting an individual’s biological age across various tissues. Remarkably, Retro-Age not only complemented existing aging clocks but also provided unique insights not captured by other methods.
Why Do We Believe They Affect Our Lifespan?
As we age, the methylation patterns on retroelements change, leading to alterations in gene activity. Some genes become more active, which can result in genomic instability, inflammation, and the onset of age-related diseases. The Retro-Age clock captures these changes, suggesting that retroelements are not just passive remnants but active participants in the aging process.
Furthermore, the study found that these methylation patterns are responsive to external factors. For instance, people living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy showed a reversal in certain aging markers. This indicates that retroelement activity can be influenced by both disease and treatment, affecting biological aging.
Implications for Our Health
Understanding the role of ancient viral DNA in aging has profound implications. By monitoring retroelement activity, scientists can track the effectiveness of anti-aging therapies and assess the impact of lifestyle changes on biological age. This knowledge could lead to personalized interventions aimed at slowing down or even reversing aspects of the aging process.
Dr. Lishomwa Ndhlovu, the first author of the study and a professor of immunology in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, emphasized the potential of Retro-Age as a powerful tool. “With Retro-Age, we have greater insight and a fresh perspective into the aging process,” he said. “It may open the door to future treatments for age-related conditions.”
Additionally, the research suggests that retroelements might be fundamental to aging across different species, given that the Retro-Age clock remained accurate even when extended to other mammals. This could pave the way for broader applications in veterinary medicine and comparative biology.
What’s Next?
The team plans to explore new treatments targeting the epigenetic states of specific retroelements. By doing so, they hope to develop therapies that can mitigate the biological effects of aging, potentially improving both health span and lifespan.
As we continue to delve into the hidden layers of our genome, the once-overlooked ancient viruses within our DNA are revealing themselves to be key players in the complex process of aging. This research not only enhances our understanding of human biology but also brings hope for future interventions that could enhance the quality of life as we grow older.
LLH Editor: It has been predicted for a while that we will achieve “escape velocity” soon – that is, that we will be able to extend life through sequential improvements in treating old age. This study indicates the launch of a new area of study, the study of the actual composition of our DNA for life extension and “health span.”
