Epigenetic aging runs faster in larger and male dogs
An epigenetic clock built from 894 domestic dogs predicted mortality and linked faster biological aging to larger body size and male sex.
Science
In an observational molecular study, researchers analysed 1,640 DNA methylomes—chemical tags on DNA—from 894 domestic dogs. They developed an epigenetic clock that predicted mortality and found that epigenetic aging was fastest early in life. At dog genes corresponding to human age-associated genes, age effects on promoter methylation matched those in humans, highlighting conserved remodelling of immune pathways. Larger and male dogs, which are shorter lived, exhibited accelerated molecular aging. Sex-dependent methylation changes were concentrated on the X chromosome, whereas size-associated methylation was especially pronounced at transposable elements, sequences of DNA that can move within the genome.
Why it matters
Large differences in dog lifespans provide a natural model to test how intrinsic rates of biological aging shape longevity across mammals. The findings identify transposable elements as potential mediators that may help connect body size to differences in lifespan.
Caveats
The study relied on observational molecular data, so it cannot show whether changes at transposable elements cause shorter lifespans in larger dogs. The findings are also limited to domestic dogs.
The paper
Epigenetic aging and transposon dysregulation reflect size-related lifespan compression in dogs
Show 43 more authors
Layla Brassington, Elizabeth Slikas, Christine Adjangba, Claire Cheng, Abbey Marye, Benjamin R Harrison, Tal Bamberger, Yadid Algavi, Efrat Muller, Adam Harris, Emily Rout, Cindy Reichel, Vista Sohrab, Dog Aging Project Consortium, Elinor Karlsson, Joshua M Akey, Anne C Avery, Elhanan Borenstein, Daniel E L Promislow, Noah Snyder-Mackler, Joshua M Akey, Rozalyn M Anderson, Elhanan Borenstein, Marta G Castelhano, Amanda E Coleman, Kate E Creevy, Matthew D Dunbar, Virginia R Fajt, Jessica M Hoffman, Erica C Jonlin, Matt Kaeberlein, Elinor K Karlsson, Kathleen F Kerr, Jing Ma, Evan L MacLean, Stephanie McGrath, Natasha J Olby, Daniel E L Promislow, May J Reed, Audrey Ruple, Stephen M Schwartz, Sandi Shrager, Noah Snyder-Mackler,Arizona State University
Science · 8 Oct 2026
