An international team of researchers, led by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, has identified a rare genetic condition that causes individuals to age at an accelerated rate. The discovery, involving 76 researchers, sheds new light on the biological mechanisms of aging and could inform the development of treatments for age-related diseases.
The syndrome, named Heyn-Sproul-Jackson syndrome (HESJAS), impacts the DNA methylation process, which acts as a biological clock within cells. In individuals with HESJAS, these methylation marks accumulate on DNA at a significantly faster pace than in typical aging. This accelerated process leads to the earlier onset of age-related health issues and tissue changes.
Health issues observed in those with HESJAS include decreased blood cell production, making them more susceptible to infections, as well as osteoporosis and hair loss, all manifesting at an earlier age. The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, demonstrates for the first time how this DNA clock contributes to age-related diseases.
Professor Joris Veltman, Director of the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh, stated that studying this rare disease has provided novel insights into the biology of human aging. Professor Andrew Jackson, the study's lead, expressed excitement about uncovering a rare human genetic disorder that enhances understanding of the clock's role in long-term health during old age.
Further studies are planned to explore the implications of these findings.