Repetitive elements as a transcriptomic marker of aging: Evidence in multiple datasets and models. Issue 7 (5th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaRocca, Thomas J.; Cavalier, Alyssa N.; Wahl, Devin
• Is Part Of: Aging cell. Volume 19:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-06-05
• Subjects: aging -- Caenorhabditis elegans -- human -- repetitive elements -- transcriptomics -- transposable elements; Cells -- Aging -- Periodicals; 571.8783605
• DOI: 10.1111/acel.13167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-9718

Abstract

Abstract: Transcriptomic markers of aging can be useful for studying age‐related processes and diseases. However, noncoding repetitive element (RE) transcripts, which may play an important role in aging, are commonly overlooked in transcriptome studies—and their potential as a transcriptomic marker of aging has not been evaluated. Here, we used multiple RNA‐seq datasets generated from human samples and Caenorhabditis elegans and found that most RE transcripts (a) accumulate progressively with aging; (b) can be used to accurately predict age; and (c) may be a good marker of biological age. The strong RE/aging correlations we observed are consistent with growing evidence that RE transcripts contribute directly to aging and disease. Abstract : Repetitive element transcripts may accumulate progressively with aging and, therefore, be a good transcriptomic marker of age/aging. We analyze multiple RNA‐seq datasets from humans and model organisms and show that repetitive element transcripts may: (a) be used to predict age; and (b) be a marker of biological aging.