Methylome analysis in long-lived men deciphers DNA methylation modifications associated with male longevity in humans
Fu-Hui Xiao,
Hao-Tian Wang,
Long Zhao,
Tian-Rui Xia,
Li-Qin Yang,
Si-Yu Ma,
Qing-Peng Kong
Affiliations
Fu-Hui Xiao
Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Corresponding author
Hao-Tian Wang
Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
Long Zhao
Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Tian-Rui Xia
Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Li-Qin Yang
Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
Si-Yu Ma
Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
Qing-Peng Kong
Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Study, KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Corresponding author
Summary: Men, despite having a lower likelihood of longevity compared to women, generally exhibit better health status when they achieve longevity. The role of DNA methylation in this paradox remains unclear. We performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on long-lived men (LLMs), long-lived women (LLWs), younger men (YMs) and younger women (YWs) to explore specific methylation characteristics in LLMs. Despite an accelerated methylation aging rate in LLMs compared to LLWs, we identify thousands of differentially methylated genomic units (DMUs) in LLMs independent of age and sex. These DMUs, validated by an elastic net classifier, can serve as methylation markers for discriminating longevity potential in men. Many are located near health-related genes. Genes like PIWIL1 and EXT1, with promoters featuring DMUs, exemplify the potential role of LLM-specific methylation patterns in suppressing age-related diseases by regulating gene transcription. Our findings provide evidence of a distinct methylation feature contributing to healthy aging and longevity of LLMs.
