Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
08:52
Measurement of Protein Turnover Rates in Senescent and Non-Dividing Cultured Cells with Metabolic Labeling and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 6, 2022
Gene expression profiles associated with aging and mortality in humans
Richard A Kerber1, Elizabeth O'Brien, Richard M Cawthon
1Department of Oncological Sciences, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5550, USA. rich.kerber@louisville.edu
Aging Cell
|February 28, 2009
Summary
Gene expression in older adults reveals biological age and longevity insights. Specific genes like CDC42 and CORO1A correlate with aging and survival, offering clues to exceptional longevity.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Longevity Research
- Aging Biology
Background:
- Gene expression profiles in aging individuals may reflect biological age and lifespan.
- Understanding these profiles can offer insights into the genetic basis of longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if gene expression in cell lines from older adults correlates with biological age and donor survival.
- To identify specific genes associated with aging and mortality risk.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed gene expression data from 104 unrelated Utah CEU family grandparents' lymphoblastoid cell lines.
- Combined gene expression data with survival data from the Utah Population Database.
- Tested associations between 2151 always-expressed genes, donor age, and survival.
Main Results:
- Approximately 16% of gene expression levels were associated with donor age.
- Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) and CORO1A showed strong associations with age and survival.
- Gene expressions increasing with age correlated with higher mortality, while decreasing expressions correlated with reduced mortality.
- A biological age model dominated by CDC42 expression predicted survival.
- A survival model dominated by CORO1A expression explained 23% of survival variation.
Conclusions:
- Gene expression patterns in cell lines can provide information about biological age and longevity.
- CDC42 and CORO1A are key genes linked to aging and survival.
- These findings may illuminate the genetic factors contributing to exceptional longevity.
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence
Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...