Manuscripts

Timeline: January 2024 - July 2024. Published in Nature Aging September 16, 2024.

Title: Challenges and Recommendations for the Translation of Biomarkers of Aging

Authors: Biomarkers of Aging Consortium, Chiara M. S. Herzog, Ludger J. E. Goeminne, Jesse R. Poganik, Nir Barzilai, Daniel W. Belsky, Joe Betts-LaCroix, Brian H. Chen, Michelle Chen, Alan A. Cohen, Steven R. Cummings, Peter O. Fedichev, Luigi Ferrucci, Alexander Fleming, Kristen Fortney, David Furman, Vera Gorbunova, Albert Higgins-Chen, Lee Hood, Steve Horvath, Jamie N. Justice, Douglas P. Kiel, George A. Kuchel, Jessica Lasky-Su, Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Andrea B. Maier, Birgit Schilling, Vittorio Sebastiano, P. Eline Slagboom, Michael P. Snyder, Eric Verdin, Martin Widschwendter, Alex Zhavoronkov, Mahdi Moqri & Vadim N. Gladyshev

Abstract: Biomarkers of aging are quantitative parameters that predict biological age and ideally its changes in response to interventions. In recent years, many promising molecular and omic biomarkers of aging have emerged with an enormous potential for translational geroscience and improving healthspan. However, clinical translation remains limited, in part due to the gap between preclinical research and the application of biomarkers of aging in clinical research and other translational settings. We surveyed experts in these areas to better understand current challenges for the translation of aging biomarkers. We identified six key barriers to clinical translation and developed guidance for the field to overcome them. Core recommendations include linking biomarkers of aging to clinically actionable insights, improving affordability and availability to broad populations and validation of biomarkers that are robust and responsive at the level of individuals. Our work provides key insights and practical recommendations to overcome barriers impeding clinical translation of biomarkers of aging.

Timeline: March 2023 - Dec 2023. Published in Nature Medicine February 14, 2024.

Title: Validation of biomarkers of aging

Authors: Mahdi Moqri, Chiara Herzog, Jesse R. Poganik, Kejun Ying, Jamie N. Justice, Daniel W. Belsky, Albert Higgins-Chen, Brian H. Chen, Alan A. Cohen, Georg Fuellen, Sara Hägg, Riccardo E. Marioni, Martin Widschwendter, Kristen Fortney, Peter O. Fedichev, Alex Zhavoronkov, Nir Barzilai, Jessica Lasky-Su, Douglas Kiel, Brian K. Kennedy, Steven Cummings, P. Eline Slagboom, Eric Verdin, Andrea B. Maier, Vittorio Sebastiano, Michael P. Snyder, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Steve Horvath, Luigi Ferrucci, Biomarkers of Aging Consortium

Abstract: The search for biomarkers that quantify biological aging (particularly ‘omics’-based biomarkers) has intensified in recent years. Such biomarkers could predict aging-related outcomes and could serve as surrogate endpoints for the evaluation of interventions promoting healthy aging and longevity. However, no consensus exists on how biomarkers of aging should be validated prior to their translation to the clinic. Here, we review current efforts to evaluate the predictive validity of omics biomarkers of aging in population studies, discuss challenges in comparability and generalizability, and provide recommendations to facilitate future validation of biomarkers of aging. Finally, we discuss how systematic validation can accelerate clinical translation of biomarkers of aging and their use in gerotherapeutic clinical trials.

Timeline: September 2022 - February 2023. Published in Cell August 31, 2023.

Title: Biomarkers of Aging for Identification and Evaluation of Longevity Interventions

Authors: Mahdi Moqri, Chiara Herzog, Jesse R. Poganik, Biomarkers of Aging Consortium, Jamie Justice, Daniel W. Belsky, Albert Higgins-Chen, Alexey Moskalev, Georg Fuellen, Alan A. Cohen, Ivan Bautmans, Martin Widschwendter, Jingzhong Ding, Alexander Fleming, Joan Mannick, Jing-Dong Jackie Han, Alex Zhavoronkov, Nir Barzilai, Matt Kaeberlein, Steven Cummings, Brian Kennedy, Luigi Ferrucci, Steve Horvath, Eric Verdin, Andrea Maier, Michael Snyder, Vittorio Sebastiano, Vadim N. Gladyshev

Abstract: With the rapid expansion of aging biology research, the identification and evaluation of longevity interventions in humans have become key goals of this field. Biomarkers of aging are critically important tools in achieving these objectives over realistic time frames. However, the current lack of standards and consensus on the properties of a reliable aging biomarker hinders their further development and validation for clinical applications. Here, we advance a framework for the terminology and characterization of biomarkers of aging, including classification and potential clinical use cases. We discuss validation steps and highlight ongoing challenges as potential areas in need of future research. This framework sets the stage for the development of valid biomarkers of aging and their ultimate utilization in clinical trials and practice.