Blood Protein Markers Linked to Lifespan and Organ Aging Identified in Large-Scale Study
A comprehensive analysis of over 4,000 plasma proteins in older adults revealed 17 that correlate strongly with mortality risk and biological age across multiple organ systems. Proteins like ERBB1 were linked to lower death risk and younger organ age, while GDF15 and HE4 were associated with higher mortality and accelerated aging. Findings were validated in an independent cohort, supporting their potential use in monitoring aging and longevity interventions.
A large-scale study analyzing plasma proteins in older adults identified 17 specific proteins significantly linked to mortality risk and biological aging across multiple organ systems. The research, conducted on 1,025 participants from the LonGenity study and validated in an independent cohort of 1,124 individuals from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), examined 4,265 plasma proteins over a mean follow-up period of 8.05 years. Key findings revealed that higher levels of ERBB1 and ANTXR2 were associated with lower mortality risk and younger biological age in multiple organs, while elevated GDF15, HE4, IGFBP-2, and MIC-1 correlated with increased death risk and accelerated aging. Notably, ERBB1 was specifically linked to a younger liver age, suggesting organ-specific influence. These associations were replicated in the BLSA cohort, reinforcing their reliability. The study used proteome-derived measures to assess biological age at both organismal and organ-specific levels, aiming to uncover mechanisms behind healthy aging and longevity. While the research acknowledges limitations—such as whether these markers reflect true biological age or respond differently to anti-aging interventions—it provides a robust foundation for future clinical tools.
The work builds on prior efforts in aging biomarker discovery, particularly those using omics data to develop “aging clocks.” The LonGenity and BLSA studies are long-standing longitudinal projects focused on understanding
This discovery could significantly impact preventive medicine by offering a blood-based tool to assess biological age and mortality risk, potentially enabling earlier interventions for age-related diseases. Individuals at higher risk may benefit from personalized lifestyle or pharmacological strategies, while healthcare systems might use such markers to prioritize care. The findings may also influence the longevity industry, where companies developing anti-aging therapies could use these proteins as endpoints in clinical trials. Comparable to the early adoption of cholesterol testing in cardiovascular prevention, plasma protein panels may become standard in aging assessments if validated across diverse populations. However, widespread implementation depends on cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and regulatory approval. The next critical step is determining whether altering protein levels—through drugs or lifestyle changes—can actually extend lifespan or improve healthspan. Until then,