Age-associated epigenetic change in chimpanzees and humans,

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Epigenetics and Aging

The study investigates the link between epigenetics and aging in chimpanzees, thought to be our closest living relatives. Epigenetics refers to chemical modifications on genes that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. 



These modifications can influence various cellular processes, potentially impacting how an organism ages.

Key Findings

The research revealed significant age-related changes in methylation patterns across the chimpanzee and human genomes. Methylation is a type of epigenetic modification that can influence gene activity. Interestingly, around a third of these age-associated methylation sites overlapped between the two species. However, a crucial finding was that the rate of methylation change with age was considerably faster in chimpanzees compared to humans at most shared sites. The oldest human know was 122 years old where for chimpanzee 60 years old.


Chimpanzee-Specific Epigenetic Clock

The researchers constructed an epigenetic clock specific to chimpanzees. This clock could accurately predict a chimpanzee's age based on its methylation patterns. This finding highlights the potential of epigenetic markers as a reliable method for estimating biological age in chimpanzees, which can be challenging in non-captive settings.


Epigenetics and Lifespan

The study's observations align with prior research suggesting a correlation between faster epigenetic aging and shorter lifespans. 



This strengthens the possibility that epigenetic alterations are not merely byproducts of aging but may actively contribute to the aging process itself. In this context, the faster epigenetic aging rate observed in chimpanzees compared to humans could be a contributing factor to their shorter lifespans.


Species Comparison and Aging Mechanisms

By comparing epigenetic changes in closely related species like chimpanzees and humans, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying aging and the potential factors influencing lifespan variations. This knowledge can pave the way for future research on interventions that target epigenetic processes to promote healthy aging.

Furthermore, studying epigenetic similarities and differences between species can provide clues about the evolutionary adaptations that influence aging rates. For instance, slower epigenetic aging in humans compared to chimpanzees might be due to our extended parental care or complex social structures.

Epigenetic research in chimpanzees and other non-human primates holds significant promise for advancing our understanding of aging and identifying potential targets for promoting healthy aging in humans.


Epigenetic aging a Challenge Neo-Darwinism?

The study "Age-associated epigenetic change in chimpanzees and humans" investigates epigenetic aging in chimpanzees. Epigenetics refers to chemical modifications on genes that influence gene activity without changing the underlying DNA sequence. The study found that chimpanzees experience faster epigenetic aging compared to humans, despite sharing nearly identical DNA. This challenges neo-Darwinism, which emphasizes the role of genetic mutations in evolution.

Neo-Darwinism suggests that natural selection favors individuals with beneficial mutations, leading to gradual changes in populations over time. In theory one would expect less aging per “survival of the fittest.” The study's findings imply that epigenetic modifications, not just genetic mutations play a significant role in lifespan differences between humans and chimpanzees. This suggests a more complex evolutionary process than previously understood under Neo-Darwinism. It suggests a revision if not replacement of neo-Darwinism.

The study also shows comparative genomic studies alone are incomplete. These studies have been the major thrust of the last 30 years.

In addition they focused on the exonic DNA which made up only 2% of our DNA. Going forth comparative epigenomics needs to be done on both the 2% exonic and 98% noncoding (Junk) DNA. 



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