Collagen gene expression is linked to aging and lifespan extension in C. elegans - PubMed

12 hours ago

Collagen gene expression declines with age in C. elegans, with 16 collagen genes consistently downregulated, marking it as a genetic hallmark of aging.
Collagen upregulation is observed in 84% of long-lived conditions, identifying it as a conserved signature of lifespan extension.
K-means clustering using π-values revealed functional, tissue-associated subsets of collagens, with distinct clusters associated with aging, lifespan extension, and structural integrity.
Aging-associated collagens are enriched in hypodermal collagens (Cluster 1), while lifespan-extension collagens overlap with intestine-enriched subsets (Cluster 2).
Cluster 3 likely represents structural collagens contributing to cuticle and muscle integrity.
Collagens are dynamic regulators of aging and longevity, suggesting potential as biomarkers and targets for promoting healthy aging across species.

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