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Tictock: A Single-Cell Clock Measures Immune Aging in Viral Infections

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“Biomarkers of aging offer insights into how diseases and interventions affect biological systems. However, most current biomarkers are based on bulk cell measurements, making it difficult to distinguish between changes driven by shifts in cell type composition (systemic effects) versus intrinsic changes within individual cells.”

Aging reshapes the immune system in two fundamental ways: it alters the proportions of different immune cell types circulating in the blood, and it induces molecular changes within each individual cell. For years, researchers have struggled to disentangle these two intertwined processes using standard “bulk” measurements, which average signals across millions of cells and obscure what is happening at the single-cell level.

A new research paper, titled “Single-cell transcriptomics reveal intrinsic and systemic T cell aging in COVID-19 and HIV” published in Volume 18 of Aging-US by researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in California, the University of Southern California, and the University of Copenhagen, introduces an innovative solution. 

The team of Alan Tomusiak, Sierra Lore, Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, and corresponding author Eric Verdin, developed a novel tool called Tictock (T immune cell transcriptomic clock) that uses single-cell RNA sequencing to separately measure systemic and cell-intrinsic components of immune aging, and then applied it to understand how COVID-19 and HIV affect T cells.

The Tictock Model

The challenge the researchers addressed is akin to a chicken-and-egg problem. When we see a change in the average gene expression of a T cell population with age, is it because the cells themselves are aging, or because the composition of the population has shifted to contain more aged cell types?

To solve this, the researchers built Tictock, a two-part model using a massive dataset of two million peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 166 individuals. The first component is an automated cell type predictor that classifies T cells into six canonical subsets with 97% accuracy. It identifies naïve CD8+ T cells, central memory CD8+ cells, effector memory CD8+ cells, naïve CD4+ cells, central memory CD4+ cells, and regulatory T cells based on the expression of key marker genes like CD4, CD8A, CCR7, and FOXP3.

The second component consists of six distinct age-prediction models—one trained specifically for each T cell subset. By applying the cell type predictor first, the researchers can isolate a pure population of, say, naïve CD8+ T cells, and then apply the age model for that specific cell type to calculate its “transcriptomic age.” This dual-layer design allows Tictock to separate the signal of aging cell populations from the signal of aging within a cell.

Evidence from Laboratory and Human Studies

The researchers first validated their model by confirming known trends in immune aging. They observed a significant increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio with age, a well-established phenomenon. More specifically, they found a sharp decline in the proportion of naïve CD8+ cytotoxic T cells as people grow older, which aligns with decades of immunological research.

Having validated the tool, the authors then applied Tictock to two disease contexts: acute COVID-19 and HIV infection managed with antiretroviral therapy (HIV+ART). The results revealed distinct patterns. In acute COVID-19, the model detected a significant change in cell type composition—a systemic shift toward increased proportions of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, likely reflecting the body’s acute immune response to the virus.

However, both diseases shared a striking commonality at the cell-intrinsic level. In people with acute COVID-19 and in those with HIV+ART, Tictock detected a significant increase in the transcriptomic age of naïve CD8+ T cells. In other words, these naïve cells appeared biologically older than expected for the individual’s chronological age. This accelerated aging signature was specific; it was not observed in other T cell subsets like CD4+ helper cells.

Insights into Mechanisms

To understand what was driving these age predictions, the team analyzed the 209 genes that were consistently included across the six different cell-type age models. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these shared genes were heavily involved in fundamental cellular processes, including components of the cytosolic small and large ribosomal subunits and pathways related to TNF receptor binding.

This points to a central role for protein synthesis machinery and inflammatory signaling in T cell aging. The authors also discovered a correlation between aging and mean transcript length within cells, suggesting that changes in RNA processing or stability may be a general feature of the aging process at the single-cell level. Across these examples, the recurring theme is the power of single-cell resolution to reveal distinct layers of aging—systemic shifts in cell populations versus intrinsic molecular aging within specific cell types.

Implications for Future Research

The development of Tictock opens several avenues for future investigation. One immediate application is as a tool to measure how different interventions, such as drugs or lifestyle changes, affect immune aging. Because the model can distinguish between effects on cell composition and effects on cell-intrinsic age, it could provide a more nuanced readout of whether a therapy is truly rejuvenating immune cells or simply altering their proportions.

The finding that both a chronic viral infection (HIV) and an acute viral infection (COVID-19) accelerate aging in naïve CD8+ T cells raises important questions about the long-term consequences of severe infections. It suggests that the immune system may carry a “memory” of these encounters in the form of prematurely aged T cells, which could impact future immune responses.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

Tictock does not claim to be a universal clock for all tissues or all immune cells. Rather, it offers a proof-of-concept for a powerful approach: using single-cell transcriptomics to build interpretable biomarkers that can disentangle the multiple layers of a complex process like aging. By integrating automated cell typing with cell-type-specific age predictors, the model clarifies how systemic and intrinsic factors combine to shape the aging immune system.

This perspective suggests that immune aging is not a single process but a composite of changes at different levels of biological organization. Continued research will be needed to determine how broadly this model applies to other cell types and other diseases, and how it might guide future efforts to monitor and modulate immune health in older adults and in people living with chronic viral infections.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging-US.

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Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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How Aging Leads to Chronic Disease: A Two-Stage Model

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“Aging (senescence) is characterized by development of diverse senescent pathologies and diseases, leading eventually to death.”

Aging has long been explained in different ways. One traditional view is that it results from the gradual accumulation of molecular damage over time. Another perspective, based on evolutionary theory, suggests that natural selection strongly protects health during youth and reproductive years but becomes less effective later in life. As a result, biological effects that appear in older age may persist because they have little impact on reproduction. 

Over the past two decades, researchers have also explored the idea that biological programs beneficial early in life may continue operating later in ways that become harmful. Processes that once supported growth, repair, and reproduction may, with time, contribute to chronic disease.

A recent review article, titled “Aging as a multifactorial disorder with two stages,” published in Aging-US by researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, brings these different perspectives together into a unified model, to propose a broader explanation of how aging-related diseases develop. The review appears in a special issue honoring the late scientist Misha Blagosklonny, whose theoretical work on programmatic aging significantly influenced the field. 

The Two-Stage Model

The review by David Gems, Alexander Carver from University College London, and Yuan Zhao from Queen Mary University of London, brings together evidence from evolutionary biology, laboratory research, and human disease. It argues that most diseases associated with aging are multifactorial, meaning they arise from multiple interacting causes rather than a single trigger. The authors describe aging as a process that often develops in two main stages.

The first occurs earlier in life and involves disruptions in normal biological functions. It can include infections, physical injuries, environmental exposures, or DNA mutations. In many cases, the body repairs the damage or contains it effectively. However, not all disruptions are fully eliminated. Some remain in tissues in a controlled or dormant state without causing immediate symptoms.

The second stage takes place later in life, when normal age-related biological changes alter the body’s internal environment. Immune function tends to decline, inflammatory activity may increase, and tissue repair processes shift. Cells may enter a state known as senescence, in which they stop dividing but release signaling molecules that influence surrounding tissues. According to the review, these later-life changes can weaken the body’s ability to contain earlier disruptions. As a result, previously silent injuries or latent conditions may begin to develop into clinically recognizable disease.

In this model, aging is not explained only by accumulated damage or exclusively by genetic programming. Instead, disease emerges from the interaction between earlier disruptions and later biological changes.

Evidence from Laboratory and Human Studies

Part of the conceptual foundation for this model comes from studies in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. In this organism, early mechanical damage to tissue can later contribute to fatal infections in old age, illustrating how early disruption and later biological change may interact. The authors suggest that similar patterns may occur in humans.

Several human conditions also fit this model. In shingles, the virus responsible for chickenpox remains dormant in nerve cells after childhood infection and may reactivate decades later as immune control weakens. Tuberculosis provides another example, as latent infections can become active in older age when immune defenses decline.

Osteoarthritis is more common in individuals who experienced joint injury earlier in life. Although the joint may initially recover, age-related changes in cartilage and surrounding tissues may allow earlier structural damage to progress. Traumatic brain injury in youth has also been associated with increased risk of dementia later in life, suggesting that early injury may interact with aging processes.

Cancer risk rises sharply with age as well. While genetic mutations accumulate over time, changes in the aging tissue environment, including altered inflammatory signaling and the presence of senescent cells, may increase the likelihood that mutated cells progress into tumors.

Across these examples, the recurring theme is the interaction between earlier contained disruption and later biological vulnerability.

Implications for Prevention and Intervention

The authors outline two broad approaches to reduce age-related disease. One approach focuses on preventing or minimizing early disruptions, for example through vaccination, injury prevention, and reduction of harmful environmental exposures. The other aims to modify later-life biological processes that contribute to loss of containment, including pathways involved in inflammation or excessive cellular activity.

At present, the most reliable and widely implemented measures in humans focus on preventing early disruptions. Interventions that directly target fundamental aging processes remain under investigation and require further research to establish their safety and effectiveness.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

The two-stage model does not claim to provide a complete explanation of aging. Rather, it offers a structured model for understanding how multiple causes may combine over time to produce late-life disease. By integrating evolutionary theory, laboratory findings, and clinical observations, the review clarifies how early-life events and later biological changes may interact.

This perspective suggests that aging is neither purely passive decline nor solely genetically programmed deterioration. Instead, it may reflect a lifelong interaction between accumulated disruptions and evolving biological conditions. Continued research will be needed to determine how broadly this model applies and how it might guide future efforts to reduce the burden of chronic disease in older adults.

Click here to read the full review published in Aging-US.

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Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Epigenetic Changes in Sperm May Explain Association Between Paternal Age and Autism Risk

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“Research findings suggest that advanced paternal age is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.”

While maternal health has traditionally been central to research on pregnancy and child development, there is growing recognition that paternal factors also play a role, particularly the father’s age. Several studies have found a modest increase in risk of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, among children born to older fathers. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this association are still not fully understood.

One emerging explanation involves epigenetics, chemical modifications that influence how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Among these is DNA methylation. Earlier studies have suggested that sperm from older men may carry age-related changes in DNA methylation, but few have explored these patterns on a genome-wide scale or focused specifically on regions that are most likely to influence offspring development.

The Study: Exploring Age-Dependent Methylation at Imprint Control Regions in Human Sperm

In a study, titled “Age-specific DNA methylation alterations in sperm at imprint control regions may contribute to the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring,” published in Aging-US and selected as the Editors’ Choice for January, 2026, researchers investigated how DNA methylation patterns in sperm change with age. The study was led by first authors Eugenia Casella and Jana Depovere, with corresponding author Adelheid Soubry from the University of Leuven.

The research focused specifically on imprint control regions (ICRs), genetic segments that regulate gene activity based on whether the genes are inherited from the mother or the father. These regions play a crucial role during early development and have been associated with developmental disorders when improperly regulated.

To conduct the analysis, the team examined sperm samples from 63 healthy, non-smoking men aged 18 to 35 years.

The Results:  Age-Dependent Epigenetic Changes in Sperm Detected Near Autism-Associated Genes

The researchers identified over 14,000 DNA sites (known as CpG sites) where methylation levels were significantly correlated with age. Most of these sites had reduced methylation in older individuals. Of particular interest were 747 sites near known imprint control regions, areas essential for regulating gene expression during early development. When cross-referenced with public databases of autism-associated genes, several of these age-sensitive sites overlapped with genes previously linked to autism spectrum disorder, including MAGEL2, DLGAP2, GNAS, KCNQ1, and PLAGL1.

The Breakthrough: Focus on Imprint Control Regions Reveals Epigenetic Role of Paternal Age

By concentrating on regions of the genome that remain active during the earliest stages of embryonic development, this study provides new evidence supporting the idea that paternal age may influence a child’s developmental outcomes through epigenetic changes in sperm, not just through genetic mutations. This is a step forward in understanding how non-genetic information carried by sperm can affect offspring.

The Impact: Findings Expand Understanding of Paternal Contributions to Offspring Health

These findings should not be interpreted as a reason for older men to avoid fatherhood. Rather, the study refines the understanding of the biological mechanisms that may contribute to autism risk and underscores the importance of considering paternal factors in reproductive health discussions. The research may support future studies aimed at developing early diagnostic tools, risk assessments, or potential interventions. However, such applications are still far from clinical use and require further validation.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that age-related changes in sperm may play a role in the health of future generations. It is important to note that the observed DNA methylation changes were modest and, on their own, are unlikely to determine whether a child develops autism. Further research, particularly studies that follow these epigenetic patterns through conception, pregnancy, and child development, will be essential to assess their practical significance.

Overall, this work contributes to the broader understanding of reproductive planning and paternal health, offering a more complete picture of the factors that may influence child development.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging-US.

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Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

Click here to subscribe to Aging-US publication updates.

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Chocolate Compound Linked to Slower Biological Aging

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“Theobromine, a commonly consumed dietary alkaloid derived from cocoa, has been linked to extended lifespan in model organisms and to health benefits in humans.”

When we think of aging, we often picture wrinkles or gray hair. But aging also occurs deep within our cells. One key area of research focuses on “epigenetic aging,” the gradual changes in how DNA is regulated over time. These changes are tracked using tools called epigenetic clocks, which estimate a person’s biological age based on specific molecular markers in the blood. Unlike chronological age, biological age reflects the body’s functional state and can be influenced by health, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

While chocolate and coffee have been associated with better health outcomes, pinpointing the responsible specific compounds has been difficult. These foods contain multiple bioactive substances that are often consumed together, and few studies have explored their individual effects on the human epigenome, the system of chemical modifications that control gene activity and change with age.

A recent study provides new insight, suggesting that theobromine, a compound naturally found in cocoa, may be associated with slower biological aging in humans.

The Study: Investigating Theobromine and Epigenetic Aging in TwinsUK and KORA Cohorts

The research titled “Theobromine is associated with slower epigenetic ageing,” was led by Ramy Saad from King’s College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Jordana T. Bell from King’s College London. The study was recently published in Aging-US. 

The team analyzed blood sample data from over 1,600 healthy individuals in two large population-based studies: TwinsUK in the United Kingdom and KORA in Germany. They investigated six compounds commonly found in coffee and cocoa, including caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, to assess their potential relationship with two well-established epigenetic aging measures: GrimAge, which estimates the risk of early death, and DNAmTL, which reflects telomere length, a marker of cellular aging.

Results: Higher Theobromine Levels Are Associated With Slower Biological Aging

The study found that individuals with higher blood levels of theobromine had slower biological aging, as measured by both GrimAge and DNAmTL. This suggests that their cellular and molecular profiles appeared younger than their chronological age. The initial findings from the female twin cohort in the UK were confirmed in Germany’s KORA cohort that includes a larger and more diverse population.

Importantly, the researchers accounted for other compounds commonly found in cocoa and coffee, such as caffeine, and still observed the same effect. The association remained significant even after adjusting for variables such as diet quality and smoking history. Interestingly, the effect was particularly notable in individuals who had previously smoked. The researchers also ruled out potential biases related to differences in the timing of sample collection.

Breakthrough: Theobromine Shows a Unique Link to Slower Epigenetic Aging

Theobromine appeared to act independently of other similar molecules and showed a specific association with slower epigenetic aging. While structurally similar to caffeine, theobromine behaves differently in the body and is found in higher concentrations in cocoa-rich foods like dark chocolate. Previous research has associated it with improvements in blood pressure and cognitive function, but this study is among the first to connect it with molecular markers of aging.

Impact: Theobromine Identified as a Potential Dietary Target for Healthy Aging

If validated by future studies, theobromine could emerge as a promising target for dietary or therapeutic strategies aimed at supporting healthy aging. The findings strengthen the growing understanding that specific dietary components can influence the aging process, not only through visible, external signs, but also at the molecular and cellular levels. While theobromine is abundant in cocoa products, the study does not advocate increased chocolate consumption. Instead, it highlights the potential role of naturally occurring plant-based compounds in modulating biological aging and contributing to long-term health.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

As with all observational studies, this research establishes association rather than causation. More studies, particularly randomized clinical trials, will be needed to determine whether increasing theobromine intake can directly slow biological aging.

Nevertheless, the results suggest that theobromine may be one reason cocoa-rich diets have been linked with cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. As scientific interest grows in how nutrition influences epigenetic aging, compounds like theobromine may play an increasingly important role in understanding and potentially extending human healthspan.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging-US.

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Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

Click here to subscribe to Aging-US publication updates.

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A Common Aging Pattern: Changes in RNA Splicing and Processing Across Human Tissues

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“Although transcriptomic changes are known to occur with age, the extent to which these are conserved across tissues is unclear.”

As we age, every tissue in the body undergoes gradual molecular changes. A long-standing question in aging research is whether these changes follow common patterns across tissues or whether each tissue ages on its own. While DNA-based “epigenetic clocks” can estimate age accurately across different tissues, identifying consistent patterns in gene expression has been much more challenging.

One reason for this difficulty is methodology. Most studies focus on whether genes increase or decrease their expression levels with age. However, genes do not function in isolation. They operate within complex networks, coordinating their activity with many others. Changes in these relationships may be important aspects of the aging process. 

To understand this, researchers from the University of São Paulo performed a study titled “A combination of differential expression and network connectivity analyses identifies a common set of RNA splicing and processing genes altered with age across human tissues.”

The Study: Gene Expression and Network Analysis Integration to Study Aging Across Human Tissues

Featured on the cover of Aging-US (Volume 17, issue 12), the study analyzed gene expression data from nearly 1,000 donors from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. They focused on 8 tissues (blood, brain, adipose tissue, muscle, blood vessel, heart, skin, and esophagus) from individuals aged 20 to 70. 

Rather than relying only on traditional differential expression analysis, the team combined this approach with gene network analysis. This allowed them to check not only how strongly genes were expressed, but also how their patterns of coordination with other genes changed across aging. By integrating these two perspectives, the researchers aimed to capture age-related transcriptomic changes that might otherwise go undetected.

Results: Aging Alters Gene Networks and RNA Processing Across Human Tissues

The results revealed a clear and consistent pattern. Many genes showed little or no change in their average expression levels with age, yet their connectivity within gene networks changed substantially. In other words, aging often altered how genes interacted with one another rather than simply how active they were.

When gene expression and network connectivity were analyzed together, a core group of genes emerged as altered with age across nearly all studied tissues. These shared genes were not randomly distributed across biological functions. Instead, they were strongly enriched in processes related to RNA splicing and RNA processing, the steps that convert raw RNA transcripts into mature messages used to produce proteins.

These genes were also highly interconnected in protein–protein interaction networks, indicating that they function together as part of coordinated molecular systems. Many are components of known cellular complexes involved in RNA handling, suggesting that aging affects not just individual genes but entire functional groups.

Breakthrough: Network Analysis Reveals Hidden Conserved Aging Signatures Across Tissues

This study demonstrates that network-based analyses can uncover conserved aging-related changes that are largely invisible when analyzing gene expression alone. This approach helps explain why previous studies often failed to identify shared aging signatures across tissues.

Impact: Network Reorganization in RNA Processing Associated to Key Aging Mechanisms

Errors in RNA splicing can lead to the production of abnormal or malfunctioning proteins, which tend to accumulate as cells age. The study shows that tissues appear to respond to this by reorganizing networks involved in RNA processing, protein quality control, and degradation pathways such as autophagy. These coordinated changes align with well-known features of aging, including declining protein homeostasis.

Importantly, this network-based perspective helps reconcile conflicting findings in earlier research. Different tissues may show distinct gene-level changes, yet still be responding to the same underlying molecular stresses through different regulatory strategies.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

This research highlights RNA splicing and processing as central and conserved features of transcriptomic aging across human tissues. It also underscores the importance of studying gene networks, rather than focusing exclusively on individual genes, when investigating complex biological processes such as aging.

While further work is needed to determine whether these changes actively drive aging or reflect adaptive responses to accumulating cellular damage, the findings offer a more integrated perspective on how aging develops at the molecular level. Ultimately, this knowledge may help guide strategies aimed at supporting healthier aging across multiple tissues rather than targeting isolated organs or pathways.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging-US.

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Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Using Machine Learning to Identify Senescence-Inducing Drugs for Resistant Cancers

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“Senescence identification is rendered challenging due to a lack of universally available biomarkers.”

Treating aggressive cancers that do not respond to standard therapies remains one of the most significant challenges in oncology. Among these are basal-like breast cancers (BLBC), which lack hormone receptors and HER2 amplification. This makes them unsuitable for many existing targeted treatments. As a result, therapeutic options are limited, and patient outcomes are often poor.

One emerging strategy is to induce senescence, a state in which cancer cells permanently stop dividing but remain metabolically active. This approach aims to slow or stop tumor growth without killing the cells directly. Although promising, the clinical application of senescence-based therapies has been limited by several challenges.

Senescence is typically identified using biomarkers such as p16, p21, and beta-galactosidase activity. However, these markers are often already present in aggressive cancers like BLBC (Sen‑Mark+ tumors), making it difficult to determine whether a treatment is truly inducing senescence or merely reflecting the tumor’s existing biology. Moreover, conventional screening methods may mistake reduced cell growth for senescence, cell death, or temporary growth arrest, leading to inaccurate assessments. This is especially problematic in large-scale drug screening, where thousands of compounds must be evaluated quickly and reliably.

To overcome these issues, researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Dundee have developed a new machine learning–based method to improve the detection of senescence in cancer cells. Their findings were recently published in Aging-US.

The Study: Developing the SAMP-Score

The study, titled “SAMP-Score: a morphology-based machine learning classification method for screening pro-senescence compounds in p16-positive cancer cells,” was led by Ryan Wallis and corresponding author Cleo L. Bishop from Queen Mary University of London. This paper was featured on the cover of Aging-US Volume 17, Issue 11, and highlighted as our Editors’ Choice.

The research team developed a tool called SAMP-Score. To build the model, the researchers applied high-content microscopy, image analysis, and unsupervised clustering to identify subtle morphological changes and patterns associated with true senescence. The team referred to these patterns as senescence-associated morphological profiles (SAMPs). These patterns were then used to train a machine learning algorithm capable of distinguishing senescent, non-dividing cells from those that were still proliferating or undergoing cell death.

After validation on the MB-468 cell line (a p16-positive basal-like breast cancer model), the model was applied to a large-scale screen of 10,000 experimental compounds across multiple cell lines: MB-468, HeLa, BT-549 (all p16-positive), and HCT116 p16 knockout (p16-negative).

Results: QM5928 Identified as a Pro-Senescence Agent

From the screening, the team identified a compound referred to as QM5928, which showed the ability to induce senescence in p16-positive cancer cells. The response was dose-dependent: at lower concentrations, it reduced cell proliferation without signs of toxicity, indicating senescence; at higher concentrations, toxicity began to appear. This suggests that the compound induces senescence rather than directly causing cell death.

Importantly, the researchers also observed a relocation of p16 into the nucleus, a sign that senescence-related cell cycle arrest mechanisms may be engaged. In contrast, the effect of QM5928 was reduced in a p16-negative cell line, supporting the idea that p16 plays a key role in the compound’s activity.

Breakthrough: The Innovation Behind SAMP-Score

The main innovation in this study is not just the identification of QM5928 as a promising compound but the development of a reliable and scalable method for detecting senescence in cancer cells. By combining high-content image analysis with machine learning, SAMP-Score provides an alternative to traditional marker-based methods, which can give ambiguous results in aggressive cancers. This approach reduces false positives and improves the accuracy of drug screening by better distinguishing compounds that truly induce senescence.

Impact: Implications for Cancer Drug Discovery

SAMP-Score provides a practical and scalable tool for discovering drugs in cancer types where conventional senescence markers do not offer clear results. This is particularly valuable in cancers like BLBC, which have high p16 expression but few effective targeted treatments. In the future, SAMP-Score may also help design combined therapies that first induce senescence, then eliminate senescent cells using senolytics.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

While QM5928 remains in the early stages of investigation, it serves as a proof of concept for how the SAMP-Score method can support the discovery of pro-senescence compounds. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the compound’s mechanism of action and evaluate its effects in more complex models.

The broader impact of this work lies in its methodological contribution. By moving beyond biochemical markers and using image-based classification, SAMP-Score offers a practical and scalable way to improve senescence detection, particularly in cancers where current screening methods are unreliable.

Importantly, the researchers have made SAMP-Score openly available on GitHub, allowing others to apply or adapt the tool in their own senescence-related research.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging-US.

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Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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How Two Russian Scientists Changed the Way We Understand Aging and Cancer

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“Here, conceptual similarities between Mikhail Blagosklonny’s hyperfunction theory of aging and Vladimir Dilman’s elevation theory of aging are considered.”

BUFFALO, NY — December 3, 2025 — A new essay was published in Volume 17, Issue 11 of Aging-US on November 19, 2025, titled “On the intergenerational transfer of ideas in aging and cancer research: from the hypothalamus according to V.M. Dilman to the mTOR protein complex according to M.V. Blagosklonny.”

In this work, Aleksei G. Golubev from the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology reflects on the legacy of two influential Russian scientists, Vladimir M. Dilman and his son Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, who each introduced groundbreaking ideas about aging and cancer. Drawing from his own experience working in Dilman’s lab, Golubev explores how their ideas remain deeply relevant to today’s scientific understanding.

The essay connects Dilman’s “elevation theory” with Blagosklonny’s “hyperfunction theory,” two frameworks that challenge the conventional view of aging as a process of decline. Instead, both propose that aging results from continued biological processes that once supported growth but eventually become harmful when left unchecked.

Dilman believed that aging begins with reduced sensitivity in the hypothalamus, a brain region that regulates the body’s balance. This desensitization disrupts metabolism and hormone levels, setting the stage for many chronic illnesses. Decades later, Blagosklonny expanded on this idea at the molecular level. Central to his theory is the mTOR protein complex, which regulates growth and metabolism and is now a major focus in aging research.

Golubev also explores the historical and personal connections between the two scientists. Dilman, an endocrinologist trained in the Soviet Union, and Blagosklonny, a molecular biologist educated during the post-Soviet period, represent two generations shaped by a shared scientific tradition. 

“Dilman’s scientific legacy is not as well recognized as it should be, partly due to bias in citation practices.”

The essay also draws attention to a troubling trend in science: the tendency to overlook early contributions, especially from non-Western scholars. Many of Dilman’s insights, such as the connection between high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and cancer, have since been validated by modern tools, yet his work is rarely cited. Golubev points out how citation practices, language barriers, and historical isolation have contributed to this lack of recognition.

Finally, Golubev encourages the scientific community to look back and acknowledge the foundational work that shaped modern aging science. It also highlights the importance of cross-generational knowledge in moving science forward. By tracing the intellectual journey from hormonal regulation in the brain to molecular pathways in cells, this essay demonstrated the relevance of old ideas in a new biological era.

Paper DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206338

Corresponding author: Aleksei G. Golubev – [email protected]

Keywords: aging, gerontology, history of science, hyperfunction, mTOR, hypothalamus, cancer, metabolism, immunity.

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Longevity Clinics: Balancing Innovation with Regulation

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“The idea of slowing, or even reversing, human aging has long occupied both science and imagination.”

Interest in healthier, longer lives is rising, supported by recent scientific advances in aging research. But turning those discoveries into everyday healthcare solutions remains a work in progress. In this landscape, longevity clinics have attracted attention as personalized alternatives to traditional medicine.

What Are Longevity Clinics?

Longevity clinics are private centers offering tailored programs designed to improve long-term health and slow biological aging. Using advanced diagnostics such as genetic sequencing, full-body imaging, and blood tests, they develop personalized plans that may include exercise, nutrition, hormone therapy, or experimental treatments. Frequently found in countries like the United States, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, these clinics reflect a growing global interest in preventive healthcare, though their high costs and scientific credibility remain subjects of debate.

The Editorial

“Longevity clinics: between promise and peril,” an editorial by Marco Demaria, Editor-in-Chief of Aging-US, from the European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), was published in Aging-US (Volume 17, Issue 10). 

In this work, Dr. Demaria critically examines the rapid rise of longevity clinics, offering a thoughtful perspective on their current role, their potential to influence the future of healthcare, and the barriers they face in becoming credible contributors to aging science. He outlines both the opportunities these clinics present and the concerns surrounding their practices and impact.

Challenges

Longevity clinics aim to shift healthcare from treating illness to preventing it. Their appeal is based on the promise of early detection and personalized care tailored to each individual. However, these services often come at a significant cost, with some programs ranging from €10,000 to over €100,000 per year. This makes them accessible primarily to a small, wealthy segment of the population. As a result, concerns about fairness arise, especially considering that those most vulnerable to age-related health decline are often the least able to afford such care.

Opportunities

Despite the challenges, the editorial points out important contributions that longevity clinics could make. By collecting long-term data from clients, they may help researchers identify early warning signs of aging and detect age-related diseases earlier. Unlike traditional clinical trials, which are often short and disease-focused, these clinics track a broad range of health measures over time. When paired with artificial intelligence tools, this data could reveal meaningful patterns and support the development of better aging interventions.

The healthcare model promoted by longevity clinics also encourages people to actively manage their health, promoting lifestyle changes known to support healthy aging. Clinics often adopt new technologies and diagnostics faster than traditional institutions, potentially accelerating the translation of research into real-world use.

Concerns

Still, serious limitations remain. Some clinics offer therapies that are not well tested or not yet proven to be safe. Others provide test results that are difficult to interpret, and the lack of standardized protocols across clinics makes it harder to ensure consistency or accuracy. Tools like biological age calculators or hormone therapies may lack clear clinical value, which can lead to advice that is confusing or unsupported by strong evidence. Additionally, commercial motivations can outweigh scientific rigor. Furthermore, many clinics operate outside traditional healthcare systems, avoiding regulatory oversight. This not only creates safety concerns but also poses a risk to the credibility of the broader field of aging science.

Potential and Path Forward

What sets longevity clinics apart is their focus on personalization, prevention, and ongoing care. With greater scientific integration and ethical standards, they could become important partners in transforming how we approach aging and chronic disease. But for this to happen, certain conditions must be met.

The editorial outlines four key steps for the future. First, clinics should collaborate more closely with academic researchers and medical institutions. Second, testing protocols, biomarkers, and reporting methods must be standardized to improve consistency and scientific value. Third, broader access should be encouraged, whether through public health initiatives or insurance models. And fourth, there is a need to clarify the boundary between wellness services and medical care.

Conclusion

In summary, longevity clinics offer an idea of what future healthcare could look like: more personalized, preventive, and proactive. But without stronger scientific foundations, wider accessibility, and clear regulation, their promises may remain limited to a privileged few, leaving their full value uncertain. Whether they fulfill their promise will depend on continued collaboration with science. Equally important is a commitment to equitable, evidence-based care.

Click here to read the full editorial published in Aging-US.

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Aging-US is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Alpha-Synuclein Overexpression in Rats Reveals Early Clues to Synucleinopathies

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“Synucleinopathies are age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases characterized by alpha-synuclein accumulation with distinct vulnerabilities across brain regions.”

Synucleinopathies are a group of age-related neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Most individuals are not diagnosed until these diseases have significantly progressed, as early symptoms, such as a reduced sense of smell, subtle cognitive or motor changes are too vague to serve as reliable indicators. 

To uncover specific biological signs that appear earlier and clearly point to the disease process, researchers from Saarland University developed a study titled “Brain region-specific and systemic transcriptomic alterations in a human alpha-synuclein overexpressing rat model,” featured as the cover of Aging-US, Volume 17, Issue 10.

Understanding Synucleinopathies

Synucleinopathies are characterized by the abnormal buildup of the protein alpha-synuclein in the brain. When this protein misfolds, it accumulates inside neurons and forms toxic clumps that disrupt their normal function and threaten cell survival. Because brain samples from patients are usually obtained only after death, scientists rely on animal models to investigate how these diseases start and progress.

The Study:  Exploring Early Gene Changes Associated with Synucleinopathies

A research team from Saarland University, led by Vivien Hoof and Thomas Hentrich, studied a genetically engineered rat model that overexpresses the human form of alpha-synuclein. Their goal was to examine how this protein affects gene activity in both the brain and the gut at different life stages.

The researchers focused on three brain regions known to be involved in movement and cognition: the striatum, cortex, and cerebellum. They examined gene expression in rats at two ages, at five and twelve months, representing early and mid-adulthood, roughly equivalent to young and middle-aged humans. Gut tissue was also studied to better understand the possible systemic effects of alpha-synuclein accumulation.

The Results: Early and Widespread Gene Changes Across the Brain and Gut

The study revealed that gene activity was more significantly disrupted in younger rats, particularly in the striatum, a key area for motor control. Many of the affected genes were involved in communication between nerve cells, suggesting that vital brain functions start shifting early in the disease process.

In older rats, changes were especially noticeable in the cortex and related to myelination, the process that insulates nerve fibers. Similar patterns have also been observed in patients with synucleinopathies, highlighting the value of the rat model.

Importantly, the team identified a core group of genes that were consistently altered across all three brain regions. Some of these same gene changes were also found in the gut, suggesting that the impact of alpha-synuclein accumulation is not limited to the brain but may influence the entire nervous system, including the enteric (gut) nervous system.

The Breakthrough: Evidence That Synucleinopathies May Begin Long Before Symptoms Appear

This study provides compelling evidence that synucleinopathy-related changes begin early at the molecular level, well before clinical symptoms emerge, challenging the notion that such diseases only manifest in later life. These early alterations are both brain region-specific and systemic. The presence of similar gene changes in the gut supports the growing understanding that synucleinopathies are not just brain disorders, but may affect the entire body. These early molecular signals could serve as biomarkers, helping to detect disease before lasting damage occurs.

The Impact: Opening New Paths for Early Detection and Intervention

These findings could shift research toward diagnosing synucleinopathies in their earliest stages. If similar patterns of gene activity can be identified in humans, potentially through blood or stool samples, it may be possible to detect these diseases years before symptoms arise. Early detection could enable timely and more effective treatment.

The study also sheds light on previously overlooked genes involved in neuroprotection and neural communication, which may become new targets for therapeutic development.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

While synucleinopathies are often seen as diseases of aging, this study highlights that crucial biological changes may occur far earlier. Mapping these early molecular changes provides a strong foundation for developing new diagnostic tools and early-stage treatments. It also reinforces the need to study not just the brain but the entire nervous system, including the gut, which may serve as an accessible window into early disease processes.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging-US.

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Aging is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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How Long-Term Social Connection Supports Brain Health and Memory in Aging

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“While environmental enrichment (EE) can protect against cognitive deficits in old age, whether EE with long-term social housing provides greater protection than EE alone, and the underlying neuronal mechanisms, remain unknown.”

As people age, it is common to experience some memory lapses or slower thinking. Although this is often a normal part of aging, it can still affect a person’s quality of life. Scientists have been investigating ways to slow or prevent cognitive decline, and growing evidence points to the potential role of social interaction.

Recently, a study using rats found that long-term social connection may help protect the brain from age-related memory decline. This work, titled “The impact of long-term social housing on biconditional association task performance and neuron ensembles in the anterior cingulate cortex and the hippocampal CA3 region of aged rats,” was recently published in Aging-US (Volume 17, Issue 9).

The Study: How Long-Term Social Connection Influences the Aging Brain 

Previous studies have shown that environmental enrichment, such as physical activity and cognitive challenges, can support brain health. However, it has been less clear whether social living, on its own, provides additional benefits. To address this question, a research team led by Anne M. Dankert from Providence College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill investigated how long-term social housing affects memory and brain activity in aging rats.

The researchers divided the animals into three groups: young rats, aged rats that were housed alone, and aged rats that were housed with companions throughout life. All aged rats had access to physical and cognitive enrichment, but only one group also experienced long-term social interaction.

The study focused on two areas of the brain that are involved in memory and decision-making: the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which is associated with attention and behavioral control, and the hippocampal CA3 region, which is essential for forming and distinguishing between similar memories.

The Results: Long-Term Social Connection Supports Memory and Brain Function in Aging Rats

The aged rats that lived in social groups performed significantly better on tasks involving memory and decision-making compared to those that were housed alone. In a challenging task that required the animals to associate specific objects with their correct locations in a maze, only the socially housed aged rats performed at a level similar to that of young rats. The isolated aged rats made more errors and showed signs of cognitive decline.

In addition to behavioral results, the researchers found differences in brain activity. The socially housed aged rats showed stronger activation in the hippocampal CA3 region during testing, which suggests better memory function. At the same time, their ACC was less overactive during simpler tasks, indicating more efficient brain activity. 

The Breakthrough: Social Interaction Promotes Better Brain Function in Rats

This study provides evidence that sustained social interaction may help preserve brain function during the aging process. Unlike previous research that often combined social factors with other types of environmental enrichment, this work isolated the effect of long-term social housing on memory and brain activity. The findings show that even when other enriching elements—such as physical and cognitive stimulation—are present, the addition of social living offers distinct cognitive and neural benefits. 

The Impact: Rethinking the Role of Social Life in Healthy Aging

This study supports the idea that social connection could be an important factor in maintaining brain health. If social interaction alone provides measurable benefits—even when other forms of enrichment are present—it reinforces the value of strong social bonds in later life. Social programs, family engagement, and opportunities for daily interaction may play a key role in protecting cognitive abilities in older adults.

Future Perspectives and Conclusion

Although the study was conducted in rats, the findings are consistent with previous human research suggesting that social engagement supports brain health. Future research can explore how these effects translate to people and whether specific types or durations of social interaction are more effective.

Overall, this work shows that long-term social connection may help preserve memory and support more efficient brain function during aging. Maintaining close relationships may therefore be a valuable and practical approach to supporting cognitive health in older adults.

Click here to read the full research paper published in Aging-US.

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Aging is indexed by PubMed/Medline (abbreviated as “Aging (Albany NY)”), PubMed Central, Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded (abbreviated as “Aging‐US” and listed in the Cell Biology and Geriatrics & Gerontology categories), Scopus (abbreviated as “Aging” and listed in the Cell Biology and Aging categories), Biological Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

Click here to subscribe to Aging publication updates.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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