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Circulating MicroRNAs and Life Expectancy Among Identical Twins
Shenghui Wu1, Taek-Kyun Kim2, Xiaogang Wu2
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Laredo, TX, USA.
Annals of Human Genetics
|July 13, 2016
Summary
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may indicate life expectancy. Environmental factors significantly influence these miRNA levels, suggesting their role in determining lifespan and all-cause mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Human life expectancy is influenced by genetics, environment, and chance.
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs with potential as noninvasive biomarkers.
- Environmental factors can affect circulating miRNA concentrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating miRNAs and life expectancy.
- To assess the utility of miRNAs in archived plasma for life expectancy and mortality risk assessment.
- To explore the influence of environmental factors on miRNAs related to lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Next-generation sequencing was used to profile plasma miRNAs.
- Analysis was performed on nine pairs of identical male twins, including archived samples.
- Comparisons were made between deceased twins and their alive co-twin brothers.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs were detectable in 41-year-old archived plasma samples.
- Identical twins with differing life expectancies showed significant dissimilarities in most miRNAs.
- Concentrations of 34 miRNAs increased and 30 decreased in deceased twins compared to their alive counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNAs show potential as biomarkers for life expectancy and all-cause mortality.
- Environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping miRNA profiles associated with lifespan.
- Archived plasma samples are viable for retrospective miRNA analysis related to longevity.
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