MechanismsAnimalsPreprint

Multi-omics analysis reveals molecular networks driving muscle decline in aging vervet monkeys

Researchers identified coordinated changes in DNA methylation, miRNAs, and gene expression distinguishing older female monkeys with slower gait from middle-aged counterparts.

A skeletal muscle is flanked by dense against sparse muscle fibre cross-sections, molecular chains, and vervet monkeys.

bioRxiv3 Oct 2026, 00:10 BST

In a preprint, researchers analyzed vastus lateralis leg muscle from female vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) to study age-related physical decline. The team compared middle-aged monkeys showing normal gait speed to older animals with declining gait speed. Using an integrative multi-omics approach, they tracked coordinated shifts across the transcriptome, miRNome, and methylome. The analysis uncovered an interconnected regulatory network separating the two age groups. Key findings included miR-181a-5p, miR-320b, and miR-425 regulation of SYNCRIP, alongside miR-193b-3p targeting MCL1 and PLAU. The researchers also identified multi-omic control of ZNF274 and ANP32E expression, as well as altered levels of transcripts like VEZT. Functional analysis showed that these miRNAs and their inversely expressed mRNA targets associate with skeletal muscle biology, metabolism, and immune-inflammatory pathways.

Why it matters

Slower gait and muscle decline are core drivers of sarcopenia, frailty, and loss of independence during aging. Mapping these cross-layer regulatory networks highlights specific molecular targets that may help preserve skeletal muscle function in late life.

Caveats

The study is a preprint that has not yet undergone peer review and evaluated only female vervet monkeys. Further work is needed to confirm if these regulatory networks directly cause muscle dysfunction or translate to human sarcopenia.