BUFFALO, NY — June 3, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in  Aging (Aging-US) on May 1, 2025, as the #cover of Volume 17, Issue 5, titled “Defining the hypoxic thresholds that trigger blood-brain barrier disruption: the effect of age.”

In this study, researchers Arjun Sapkota, Sebok K. Halder, and Richard Milner from San Diego Biomedical Research Institute investigated how aging affects the brain’s vulnerability to low oxygen, or hypoxia. Using C57BL/6J mice ranging from 2 to 23 months of age, they identified specific oxygen levels that disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB)—a critical structure that protects brain tissue from harmful substances. The findings are important for understanding age-related cognitive decline and the potential risks faced by individuals with chronic oxygen-limiting conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, emphysema, and heart disease.

The BBB is essential for maintaining brain health. In this study, mild and prolonged hypoxia—called chronic mild hypoxia—was found to compromise the BBB in mice. Older mice showed significantly more BBB disruption than younger ones. Notably, barrier weakening and blood vessel changes occurred at oxygen levels of just 15% in aged mice, compared to 13% in young mice. These data suggest that the aging brain is more sensitive to oxygen deprivation, even at levels that may be considered only mildly hypoxic.

The researchers also determined when this vulnerability emerged. The BBB showed increased sensitivity to low oxygen not only in aged mice but also in mice as young as 2 to 6 months, with a second spike occurring between 12 and 15 months—equivalent to middle age in mice. These findings may reflect age-dependent changes in brain vascular function and remodeling capacity.

“Hypoxia-induced endothelial proliferation was relatively constant across the age range, but advanced age strongly enhanced the degree of BBB disruption (4-6-fold greater in 23 months vs. 2 months old).”

Another key focus was microglial activation, a sign of brain inflammation. Aged mice exhibited higher microglial activation across all oxygen levels, including normal conditions. Chronic microglial activation is closely linked to neuroinflammation and has been implicated in diseases such as Alzheimer’s. While the rate of blood vessel formation was constant across ages, the degree of BBB disruption increased sharply with age, suggesting that repair mechanisms may weaken over time.

These results may help explain why older adults with chronic hypoxia-related diseases are at higher risk for neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. The study also draws attention to the risks of high-altitude exposure for aging populations, where oxygen levels naturally drop.

Altogether, these findings underscore the importance of protecting brain health in older individuals by managing oxygen exposure and reducing hypoxia-related risks. The researchers emphasize the need to develop new therapies that support blood-brain barrier integrity, particularly in aging populations exposed to chronic or intermittent low-oxygen conditions.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206241

Corresponding author - Richard Milner - rmilner@sdbri.org

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Keywords - aging, blood-brain barrier integrity, endothelial, proliferation, microglia, chronic mild hypoxia, hypoxic threshold

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Aging (Aging-US)

Aging Increases Brain’s Sensitivity to Hypoxia and Blood-Brain Barrier Damage in Mice

BUFFALO, NY — June 25, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 5, on May 28, 2025, titled “Investigating telomere length in progeroid syndromes: implications for aging disorders.”

In this study, led by first author Luma Srour and corresponding authors Yosra Bejaoui and Nady El Hajj, from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, researchers investigated whether shortened telomeres, a marker of cellular aging, are present across various rare genetic disorders that mimic early aging, known as progeroid syndromes. The study found that telomere shortening, also called telomere attrition, is not a shared characteristic of all these disorders. This finding is important because it challenges the belief that telomere loss is a common thread in premature aging and could help refine how these syndromes are studied and treated.

Progeroid syndromes are rare conditions that cause individuals to display symptoms of aging far earlier than expected. While some of these syndromes share signs of typical aging, others arise from very different genetic alterations. Researchers focused on comparing telomere length in individuals with several of these syndromes to better understand how aging develops at the cellular level. Telomeres are protective ends of chromosomes that shorten as cells divide, acting as a biological clock linked to aging and disease.

Using DNA methylation data from blood samples, the team analyzed telomere length in patients with six progeroid syndromes: Werner Syndrome, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, Berardinelli-Seip Congenital Lipodystrophy type 2, Dyskeratosis Congenita, Cerebroretinal Microangiopathy with Calcifications and Cysts, and Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch Syndrome. They found significant telomere shortening only in classical Werner Syndrome, Berardinelli-Seip Congenital Lipodystrophy type 2, and Dyskeratosis Congenita. Other syndromes, including the widely studied Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, did not show this pattern.

“To investigate whether progeroid syndromes have telomere attrition, we calculated telomere length using the DNAmAge web-based calculator.”

The findings suggest that telomere shortening cannot be used as a universal marker for all forms of premature aging. In fact, some syndromes linked to DNA repair problems showed telomere damage, while others with different genetic mutations did not. These results indicate that the underlying biology of each syndrome is crucial in determining whether telomere shortening plays a role. Researchers also compared telomere lengths in people with genetic variants known to protect against age-related diseases. Those with protective genes had longer telomeres than people with progeroid syndromes.

This study challenges assumptions about aging in rare disorders and highlights the need for more personalized approaches in aging research. By identifying which syndromes involve telomere attrition, it opens new avenues for treating or delaying aging-related symptoms. Future research may explore other biological factors behind premature aging and how genetic differences influence the aging process.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206255

Corresponding authors - Yosra Bejaoui - yob4003@qatar-med.cornell.edu, and Nady El Hajj - nelhajj@hbku.edu.qa

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New Research Finds Telomere Shortening Not Consistent Across Premature Aging Disorders

Recent discoveries in #aging research reveal a powerful insight: the biological changes that lead to chronic #diseases begin far earlier than most people realize—often in midlife, well before symptoms appear. This early phase offers a valuable opportunity for prevention. As highlighted in a recent editorial by Marco Demaria, Editor-in-Chief of Aging and a researcher at the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen, and the University of Groningen (RUG), the aging process itself – not just the diseases it produces – can and should be a primary focus of healthcare. 

The Problem with Traditional Medicine

While modern healthcare has extended lifespan and improved treatment for many diseases, it tends to be insufficient in addressing the complex needs of aging populations. Older individuals frequently experience multiple chronic conditions simultaneously, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. This state of multimorbidity complicates care, increases the use of multiple medications, and reduces quality of life. The dominant traditional healthcare system, which typically begins only after symptoms appear, is costly and insufficient for addressing the interconnected nature of these conditions.

A New Model for Healthcare: Insights from the Editorial

In his recent editorial, “Rethinking healthcare through aging biology,” published in Aging Volume 17, Issue 5, Dr. Demaria outlines a shift from disease-specific treatment to targeting the biological mechanisms of aging itself, a more integrated and forward-looking approach. He presents three evolving healthcare models.

Full blog - https://aging-us.org/2025/06/a-new-vision-for-healthcare-addressing-aging-before-disease-begins/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206262

Corresponding author - Marco Demaria - m.demaria@umcg.nl

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Keywords - aging, healthcare, senolytics, epigenetics, medical education

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A New Vision for Healthcare: Addressing Aging Before Disease Begins

BUFFALO, NY – June 27, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on June 17, 2025, titled “Molecular landscape of HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer in Northeastern Brazil: Clinical, histopathological, and genomic insights.”

In this study, researchers led by first authors Cleto Dantas Nogueira from the Federal University of Ceará and Argos Pathology Laboratory and Samuel Frota from Argos Pathology Laboratory, along with corresponding author Fabio Tavora from the previously mentioned institutions and Messejana Heart and Lung Hospital, investigated how HER2 gene mutations appear in cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Northeastern Brazil. The team found that HER2 mutations showed significant genetic diversity and were often associated with other cancer-related genetic changes. These findings revealed diagnostic and treatment challenges in a population that is rarely studied, emphasizing the need for expanded access to molecular testing and targeted therapies.

HER2 mutations are a known factor in several cancers, including breast and gastric cancers. In lung cancer—particularly NSCLC—these mutations are less common but remain clinically significant. Most existing research on HER2-mutated lung cancer focuses on high-income countries, leaving important gaps in knowledge about underrepresented regions such as Latin America. This study helps fill that gap by analyzing 13 patients with HER2-mutated NSCLC using clinical, pathological, and genomic data.

The patients ranged in age from 34 to 82 years, and more than half were women. About half had never smoked. Their tumors often displayed complex genetic profiles, including additional mutations in genes such as TP53, KRAS, and STK11. The most common HER2 mutation identified was an insertion in exon 20, a known hotspot for activating mutations.

“Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is the first HER2-targeted agent to show clinical efficacy in HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (HER2m NSCLC).”

Treatment strategies among the patients varied. Only one individual received HER2-targeted therapy. Most were treated with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. Outcomes also differed, with some patients surviving for years and others dying within months of diagnosis. These findings reinforce the need for early diagnosis and improved access to advanced treatments, particularly in low-resource settings.

The study emphasizes the value of comprehensive molecular profiling in NSCLC. Because HER2 mutations often occur alongside other genetic alterations, full genomic analysis is crucial for guiding treatment decisions. Yet, such testing is not always available. The researchers propose a tiered diagnostic approach, beginning with basic screening and expanding to more advanced tests when necessary, to enhance patient care.

This study provides valuable insights into the molecular characteristics of HER2-mutated NSCLC in a Brazilian population, highlighting the complexity and clinical relevance of these alterations. Larger studies are needed to clarify the prevalence and prognostic significance of HER2 mutations, as well as their impact on treatment response and survival. This knowledge is essential for advancing effective HER2-targeted therapies. The findings also support broader implementation of international clinical guidelines in Latin America and highlight the critical need to include underrepresented populations in cancer research.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28737

Correspondence to - Fabio Tavora - stellacpak@outlook.com

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Oncotarget

HER2-Mutated NSCLC in Brazil Shows Diverse Genetic Patterns and Treatment Gaps

BUFFALO, NY — July 1, 2025 — A new #research paper, featured on the #cover of Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 6, was #published on June 4, 2025, titled “DoliClock: a lipid-based aging clock reveals accelerated aging in neurological disorders.”

This study, led by first author Djakim Latumalea from the National University of Singapore and Hanze University of Applied Sciences, with corresponding author Brian K. Kennedy from the National University of Singapore, introduces DoliClock, a biological aging clock based on lipid profiles in the human brain. The researchers found that individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and Down syndrome show signs of accelerated brain aging compared to individuals without these conditions. The discovery offers a new approach to measuring brain aging using lipid markers instead of traditional DNA-based methods.

The team developed DoliClock using lipidomic data from post-mortem prefrontal cortex samples. Lipids are fat-like molecules that play a key role in brain health. Changes in lipid patterns can reflect the biological age of brain tissue. The study focused on a specific class of lipids called dolichols, which increase gradually with age. The DoliClock model was trained to predict biological age by analyzing levels of dolichols and other lipid molecules. It accurately estimated brain age and revealed higher aging rates in individuals with neurological disorders.

One notable finding was a sharp increase in lipid profile variability—also known as entropy—around the age of 40. This suggests a disruption in lipid metabolism during midlife, possibly caused by changes in the mevalonate pathway, a critical biological process involved in producing lipids like cholesterol and dolichol. These disruptions may contribute to aging-related brain decline.

The study also found that dolichol levels could serve as reliable biomarkers of aging. Their consistent increase with age and strong influence on DoliClock’s predictions make them especially useful. In individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and Down syndrome, the clock indicated more advanced biological brain aging than expected, supporting the idea that these conditions are associated with premature aging.

DoliClock offers a new perspective in aging research, complementing existing biological clocks based on DNA or protein markers. Because it relies on lipids, it may detect aspects of aging that other tools cannot. While the current model is based on brain tissue samples, future research may examine whether similar lipid patterns can be identified in more accessible fluids such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid.

“These findings suggest that lipidomics can provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain aging and neurological disorders.”

This study highlights the growing potential of lipidomics in the study of aging and neurological disorders. It opens the door to new biomarkers that could help researchers and clinicians better monitor brain aging and develop more targeted interventions for age-related and neurodevelopmental diseases.
DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206266

Corresponding author - Brian K. Kennedy - bkennedy@nus.edu.sg

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New Lipid-Based Aging Clock Reveals Faster Brain Aging in Autism, Schizophrenia, and Down Syndrome

BUFFALO, NY – July 1, 2025 – A new #review was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on June 17, 2025, titled “Optimizing enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab therapy.”

First authors Elias Antoine Karam of the Gustave Roussy and Saint-Joseph University of Beirut and Yaghi César Céline from  the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, along with their colleagues, reviewed recent developments about treating advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC), an aggressive form of bladder cancer. Their review highlights how combining enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment offers a major improvement for patients with limited options and poor prognoses.

Advanced urothelial cancer has traditionally been treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, which often causes serious side effects and offers limited long-term benefit. Many patients are even ineligible for it due to underlying health conditions. The new combination presents a more effective and better-tolerated alternative, as shown in recent clinical trials reviewed by the authors.

Enfortumab vedotin targets Nectin-4, a protein present in most urothelial cancer cells, delivering a cancer-killing agent directly into tumors. Pembrolizumab helps the immune system detect and destroy cancer cells. Together, they have shown strong results in extending survival with fewer serious side effects than chemotherapy. These findings led to FDA approval in 2023 for use in a broad range of patients, including those unable to tolerate traditional treatments.

“In the phase II KEYNOTE-052 study, pembrolizumab demonstrated significant efficacy as initial therapy in patients with aUC who were ineligible for a cisplatin-based regimen.”

The review also compares this new approach with other evolving strategies, such as therapies using nivolumab and chemotherapy combinations. Among current first-line options, enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab have produced the most promising outcomes. However, the best course of action following disease progression remains unclear.

Other important challenges raised in the review include the high cost of the new therapies, limited patient access to them, and the absence of reliable biomarkers to predict individual response. The authors call for further studies to refine treatment strategies and explore blood-based tools that could guide therapy decisions and minimize side effects.

This review offers a clear summary of how recent clinical advances are reshaping the treatment of aUC. It reflects a shift away from traditional chemotherapy toward immunotherapy and targeted, personalized treatments that aim to extend survival and improve quality of life.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28741

Correspondence to - Elias Antoine Karam - eliaskaram18@gmail.com

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Keywords - cancer, advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC), enfortumab vedotin, pembrolizumab, treatment strategies, bladder cancer

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New Drug Combination Redefines First-Line Treatment for Advanced Urothelial Cancer

BUFFALO, NY — July 2, 2025 — A new #research perspective was #published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 6, on May 29, 2025, titled “Peto’s paradox’s relevance is off the scale.”

In this perspective, Dr. Mirre J.P. Simons from the University of Sheffield argues that Peto’s paradox—a well-known concept in cancer biology—remains a vital framework for understanding cancer resistance in large animals. Dr. Simons challenges recent claims that dismiss the paradox and emphasizes that the unexpectedly low cancer rates in large species still require explanation. This insight is especially relevant for aging and cancer research.

Peto’s paradox highlights a puzzling observation: larger animals like elephants and whales, despite having far more cells than smaller animals, do not have proportionally higher cancer rates. If each cell had an equal chance of turning cancerous, bigger animals should develop cancer much more frequently. But in reality, they do not. This suggests that evolution has equipped these animals with powerful biological defenses against cancer.

“The field of comparative biology into ageing and cancer was given a strong impetus when Peto identified that humans have substantially more cells than mice, but do not have substantially larger incidence of cancer.”

Dr. Simons explains that recent studies showing small increases in cancer with body size do not disprove the paradox. The expected increase, based on basic mathematical models, would be massive—many times greater than what is observed. Instead of rejecting Peto’s paradox, the field should focus on understanding how large animals suppress cancer so effectively.

The author points out that the key to resolving this paradox may lie in traits that evolved alongside body size, such as tissue environments or specialized cell-control mechanisms. These features might reduce the probability of cancer developing, even in animals with millions or billions more cells than humans.

Importantly, this perspective underscores the clinical potential of studying species that resist cancer naturally. Studying these natural defenses may help researchers uncover new ways to understand, prevent, or manage cancer. Because cancer risk increases with age in most species, understanding how some animals limit both aging and cancer may also help explain how these two processes are connected.

Dr. Simons cautions against oversimplifying cancer biology by focusing only on genetic mutations. Instead, understanding how cells interact with their environment, known as the tissue microenvironment, may offer deeper insight into how cancer develops or is prevented.

By reaffirming the importance of Peto’s paradox, this research perspective encourages the scientific community to explore the evolutionary tools nature uses to fight cancer. These insights could improve our understanding of cancer and inspire new strategies to support healthier aging.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206258

Corresponding author - Mirre J.P. Simons - m.simons@sheffield.ac.uk

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Keywords - aging, cancer, evolution

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Why Big Animals Do Not Get More Cancer: Revisiting Peto’s Paradox

Liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a major health concern worldwide. In Latin America, the situation becomes more difficult due to limited access to advanced treatments and the high prevalence of underlying liver diseases. A recent research paper, published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget by researchers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, offers valuable insights into how patients in the region respond to a widely used immunotherapy regimen. This real-world study explores both the effectiveness of treatment and the risks of immune-related side effects.

Understanding Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Why It is So Difficult to Treat

Hepatocellular carcinoma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and frequently occurs in people with pre-existing liver conditions such as cirrhosis. Standard treatments like surgery or local therapies are not always possible in these cases. In recent years, the combination of two drugs—atezolizumab and bevacizumab—has shown promise in extending survival. However, most of the evidence comes from controlled clinical trials that may not represent the realities faced by healthcare providers and patients in Latin America.

The Study: Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Latin America

In a multicenter study titled “Immune-mediated adverse events following atezolizumab and bevacizumab in a multinational Latin American cohort of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma,” led by Leonardo Gomes da Fonseca from Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, and Federico Piñero from Hospital Universitario Austral, Argentina, researchers aimed to fill that gap. The study included 99 patients with advanced HCC from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. All patients received the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab. The main objectives were to assess how frequently immune-related side effects, known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs), occurred and whether these events affected overall survival.

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/07/02/immunotherapy-safety-for-hepatocellular-carcinoma-in-latin-america-insights-from-a-real-world-study/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28721

Correspondence to - Federico Piñero - fpinerof@cas.austral.edu.ar

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Keywords - cancer, liver cancer, immunotherapy, adverse events, immunology, real-world 

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Immunotherapy Safety for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Latin America: Insights from a Real-World Study

Dr. Andres Cardenas, from the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at Stanford University, joins host Dr. Evgeniy Galimov to discuss a research paper he co-authored in Volume 17, Issue 2 of Aging (Aging-US), titled “Exposome-wide association study of environmental chemical exposures and epigenetic aging in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206201

Corresponding author - Andres Cardenas - andresca@stanford.edu

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Abstract

Epigenetic clocks can serve as pivotal biomarkers linking environmental exposures with biological aging. However, research on the influence of environmental exposures on epigenetic aging has largely been limited to a small number of chemicals and specific populations. We harnessed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 cycles to examine exposome-wide associations between environmental exposures and epigenetic aging. A total of 8 epigenetic aging biomarkers were obtained from whole blood in 2,346 participants ranging from 50-84 years of age. A total of 64 environmental exposures including phthalates, metals, pesticides, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in blood and urine. Associations between log2-transformed/standardized exposure measures and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) were assessed using survey-weighted generalized linear regression. A 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in log2 serum cadmium levels was associated with higher GrimAge acceleration (beta = 1.23 years, p = 3.63e-06), higher GrimAge2 acceleration (beta = 1.27 years, p = 1.62e-05), and higher DunedinPoAm (beta = 0.02, p = 2.34e-05). A 1 SD increase in log2 serum cotinine levels was associated with higher GrimAge2 acceleration (beta = 1.40 years, p = 6.53e-04) and higher DunedinPoAm (beta = 0.03, p = 6.31e-04). Associations between cadmium and EAA across several clocks persisted in sensitivity models adjusted for serum cotinine levels, and other associations involving lead, dioxins, and PCBs were identified. Several environmental exposures are associated with epigenetic aging in a nationally representative US adult population, with particularly strong associations related to cadmium and cotinine across several epigenetic clocks.

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Keywords - aging, epigenetic aging, environmental exposures, exposome, epigenetics

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Longevity & Aging Series (S3, E5): Dr. Andres Cardenas

BUFFALO, NY - July 7, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on June 17, 2025, titled “Genetic characteristics of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: A single institution experience.”

In this study, a research team led by first author Fei Fei and corresponding author Michelle Afkhami from the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center investigated a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer called blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). Their research uncovered frequent mutations in key genes and identified CCDC50 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and disease monitoring. These findings could help improve how this cancer is detected and treated in the future.

BPDCN most often affects older adults and is known for its rapid progression and poor survival rates. The researchers performed genetic sequencing on 21 patients to better understand the disease. They found that two genes, TET2 and ASXL1, were frequently mutated in these patients and were linked to worse survival, especially in those over 65 years old.

“Our study revealed that TET2 (57%) and ASXL1 (33%) were the most frequently mutated genes, followed by NRAS (29%), SRSF2 (14%), ZRSR2 (14%), and KMT2D (14%).”

The study also discovered that a gene called CCDC50 was expressed at much higher levels in BPDCN samples compared to other blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia and chronic monomyelocytic leukemia. This suggests that CCDC50 may help clinicians distinguish BPDCN from other similar diseases. Importantly, CCDC50 levels dropped significantly in patients whose disease went into remission, highlighting its potential as a tool for tracking disease activity over time.

Researchers further observed that patients who received stem cell transplants lived longer than those who did not, reinforcing the importance of this treatment approach. However, BPDCN remains a challenging disease with an overall poor outlook, making these findings an important step toward better care.

This research provides new insights into the genetic changes behind BPDCN and points to CCDC50 as a promising marker to improve diagnosis and monitor treatment success. Larger studies will be needed to confirm these results and bring these discoveries closer to use in routine medical practice.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28742

Correspondence to - Michelle Afkhami - mafkhami@coh.org

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Keywords - cancer, Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), Next-generation sequencing (NGS), CCDC50

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Key Genetic Alterations and Biomarker for Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm

A new study published recently as the cover of Aging Volume 17, Issue 6, describes a new method to estimate how fast the brain is aging. By analyzing lipids, or fat molecules, in brain tissue, researchers from the National University of Singapore and Hanze University of Applied Sciences created a biological “clock” called DoliClock. This innovation highlights how conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and Down syndrome are associated with accelerated brain aging.

Understanding Brain Aging

As people grow older, their brains naturally change. However, in many neurological disorders, these changes seem to appear earlier and progress more rapidly. Disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and Down syndrome reduce quality of life and contribute to premature death. Scientists have long searched for better ways to measure biological age in the brain to understand these processes and develop strategies to slow them down.

Most existing methods for estimating biological age rely on genetic markers, such as DNA methylation, which are chemical modifications of DNA. While useful, these approaches may not fully capture the complexity of aging, especially in the brain. Lipids, which are essential components of brain cells and play important roles in energy storage and signaling, offer another perspective.

Full blog - https://aging-us.org/2025/07/doliclock-a-lipid-based-clock-for-measuring-brain-aging/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206266

Corresponding author - Brian K. Kennedy - bkennedy@nus.edu.sg

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Keywords - aging, aging clock, down syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, dolichol

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DoliClock: A Lipid-Based Clock for Measuring Brain Aging

Cancer and aging are two sides of age-related tumorigenesis.

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Read about the Aging (Aging-US) Scientific Integrity Process: https://aging-us.com/scientific-integrity

Aging Increases Brain’s Sensitivity to Hypoxia and Blood-Brain Barrier Damage in Mice

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