Dogs defy the mammalian rule: larger breeds live shorter lives, and Arizona State University scientists have pinpointed “jumping genes” and DNA methylation as the epigenetic culprits. This research, published in Science, uses data from 864 dogs to map how these genetic markers regulate aging, making canines a model for understanding aging in general.
Large Dogs Age Faster Despite General Mammalian Longevity Rules
The paradox is stark. In many mammalian species, larger creatures tend to have longer lifespans. Mice, for instance, live an average of just two years, while some whales can last for as long as 200 years. Yet in dogs, the relationship is inverted; larger dogs tend to age faster and die younger than smaller ones. This canine anomaly is a model for biologists to study to learn more about aging in general.
The new research from Arizona State University, detailed in a paper in Science, leverages data from 864 dogs collected in the Dog Aging Project to map patterns of DNA methylation across the entire genome. DNA methylation is a key part of the epigenome—markers that can change over time in response to stress and other environmental factors. Unlike the underlying genetic sequences, which are largely fixed, DNA methylation is a chemical indicator of aging and DNA regulation.
Jumping Genes Link to Faster Aging in Large Dogs
Epigenetic mechanisms, including “jumping genes,” are linked to why large dogs age faster than smaller ones.
Scientists Map DNA Methylation to Study Lifespan Differences
The study centers on “jumping genes.” Arizona State University scientists report that lifespan differences seem to be due to these genes. The authors used data from 864 dogs collected in the Dog Aging Project to map patterns of DNA methylation across the entire genome. This DNA methylation influences how much certain genes are turned on or off.
The Dog Aging Project is investigating aging in general.
Arizona State University scientists report that lifespan differences seem to be due to so-called “jumping genes.”
Broader Implications for Aging Research
The study uses dogs as a model for aging.
What’s Next for the Dog Aging Project
The discovery from Arizona State University is a starting point. The Dog Aging Project is designed to study dogs to learn more about aging in general. With this epigenetic data, researchers can use DNA methylation as a chemical indicator of aging and DNA regulation. The study of why large dogs age faster has become a piece in the complex puzzle of understanding the fundamental biology of aging itself.
