Digital Biomarkers Enable Automated, Longitudinal Monitoring in a Mouse Model of Aging

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Animal Models
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Aging research requires scalable and reproducible methods to study physiological and behavioral changes.
• Novel therapeutic interventions for aging need validated animal models for testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of a continuous monitoring platform using digital biomarkers.
• To identify behavioral and physiological differences between young and old male C57BL/6J mice.
• To evaluate the impact of running wheels on these digital biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Continuous monitoring of motion, breathing rate, and wheel running in young (12 weeks) and old (23 months) male C57BL/6J mice.
• Comparison of mice with and without running wheels in their home cages.
• Analysis of digital biomarkers for age-dependent changes and responses to routine procedures.

Main Results:

• Old mice exhibited reduced motion and breathing rates, with altered circadian rhythms compared to young mice.
• Mice without running wheels showed lower breathing rates than those with running wheels.
• Digital biomarkers reflected age-dependent changes during routine procedures and in subjects reaching endpoint.

Conclusions:

• Continuous home cage monitoring provides unbiased, longitudinal data for aging studies.
• Digital biomarkers are sensitive to age-related physiological and behavioral alterations.
• This platform enhances the scalability and reproducibility of aging research and therapeutic testing.