Leader: Cristina Giuliani (UNIBO); Other collaborator(s): Vincenzo Iannuzzi (UNIBO), Giorgia Bolognesi (UNIBO)
Epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation profiles are the most informative and interdisciplinary biomarkers to quantify biological aging and it is highly related to mortality, environmental factors as well as to socio-economic factors. Here we will set the basis to measure and analyze epigenetic clocks (implemented by Horvath and colleagues) on the available biobanks and selecting individuals according to socio-economic and demographic criteria identified in WP1, WP2 and WP3. Here the impact of environmental hazards on epigenetic clocks will be evaluated (interaction with WP 4.3).
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results
The first part of the activities was dedicated to analyzing epigenetic biomarkers in a specific population from the biobanks of the Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology. A paper on indigenous populations from Argentina (named Wichì and Criollos) was produced, helping to estimate the role of ecological factors, genetic structure, and socioeconomic factors in determining variability in epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation. This part of the work was published (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37954982/ ), and related dissemination activities were performed.
- In collaboration with colleagues from other WPs we plan a recruitment of subjects with information about fertility history and biological samples that is ongoing.
- The investigation into the impact of environmental hazards on epigenetic clocks is ongoing in the area of Bussi sul Tirino. In 2008, the Bussi sul Tirino area, located in the province of Pescara (Abruzzo region, central Italy), was classified as a Site of National Interest (SNI) allocated for remediation, due to the high rate of contaminants detected in water and soil. Preliminary results showed that epigenetic clocks do not appear to be affected by this type of pollutant, while DNA methylation of LINE-1 elements seems to be affected. It has been shown that altered DNA methylation levels in these elements can lead to changes in health status; in particular, loss of methylation as observed in individuals from these areas appears to be associated with the onset of diseases such as tumors and infertility.
- In this first part of the activities, a review of the literature was performed to identify a list of social factors able to influence biological factors central to the aging process, to identify factors with a major impact on epigenetic clocks.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications
The main implications are:
- Raising awareness among the general population about the role of certain social, demographic, and ecological factors in human biology and in determining physiological changes that play a role in the aging process.
- Providing insights into the weight and significance of various environmental, social, and economic factors on the biology of aging in order to identify and plan more effective evidence-based policies.
- Data analysis of epigenetic variability in the area of Bussi sul Tirino
- Writing a review of the literature about sociality and extended lifespan with a bio-anthropological perspective
- Writing a scientific publication about the epigenetic data and environmental hazard focused in the area of Bussi sul Tirino
- Biological sample collection – (network with other colleagues ongoing)
- Policy Brief “Biodemographic and social aspect of ageing” contribution entitled “Biosocial factors and population variability in epigenetic aging clocks” Cristina Giuliani, Vincenzo Iannuzzi
- Collaboration with Task 6.5 for the use of epigenetic clocks as indicators for monitoring population ageing
- Biodemographic and Paleogenomic Analyses: A scientific manuscript detailing the findings on the genetic contribution of different ancestral components to human longevity has been prepared and is in the process of submission to a peer-reviewed journal. In this study (in collaboration with Spoke 2), we reconstructed the contribution of ancestral genetic components to human longevity by considering genome-wide data of 333 Italian centenarians and 690 geographically matched controls and comparing them with a wide panel of ancient individuals representing the key pre- and post-Neolithic genetic ancestries that are known to have shaped the contemporary European genetic landscape.
- Collaboration with the CNAM’s Laboratory of Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Molecular Chemistry (GBCM) of Paris: A collaborative project with the laboratory directed by Prof. Jean-François Zagury has been established. Biodemographic analyses of 1,823 French centenarians and 1,071 geographically matched controls will be performed. The aim is to study the genetic and demographic factors influencing longevity and to compare the findings with results obtained for the Italian cohort.
- Biological Sample Collection from the Bussi sul Tirino area: network with other colleagues is ongoing.
- Collaboration with the CNAM’s Laboratory of Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Molecular Chemistry (GBCM) of Paris: Biodemographic analyses of 1,823 French centenarians and 1,071 geographically matched controls are ongoing. The aim is to study the genetic and demographic factors influencing longevity and to compare the findings with results obtained for the Italian cohort.
- Biological Sample Collection from the Bussi sul Tirino area: network with other colleagues is ongoing.
- Recruitment for a 6-month research fellowship
- Recruitment of 2 Post-doc
- One paper has been published Epigenetic aging differences between Wichí and Criollos from Argentina: Insights from genomic history and ecology Vincenzo Iannuzzi, Stefania Sarno, Marco Sazzini, Paolo Abondio, Claudia Sala, Maria Giulia Bacalini, Davide Gentilini, Luciano Calzari, Federica Masciotta, Paolo Garagnani, Gastone Castellani, Edgardo Moretti, Maria Cristina Dasso, Federica Sevini, Zelda Alice Franceschi, Claudio Franceschi, Davide Pettener, Donata Luiselli, Cristina Giuliani. Evol Med Public Health. 2023 Oct 16;11(1):397-414. doi: 10.1093/emph/eoad034.
- Dissemination activity: Interview for “Le Scienze” https://www.lescienze.it/news/2024/01/23/news/rebus_invecchiamento_gran_chaco-14872253/
- Published Paper: "Stay social, stay young: a bioanthropological outlook on the processes linking sociality and ageing" by Iannuzzi V, Narboux-Nême N, Lehoczki A, Levi G, and Giuliani C. Published in Geroscience on November 11, 2024. doi:10.1007/s11357-024-01416-5
- Research Article under review: "Chlorinated solvents in groundwater and human DNA methylation: the Italian case of Bussi sul Tirino" by Bolognesi G, Iannuzzi V, Sarno S, De Sanctis A, Bacalini MG, Ravaioli F, Ferraresi F, De Fanti S, Luiselli D, Marasco E, Garagnani P, Gentilini D, Calzari L, Gargini A, Filippini M, and Giuliani C. Under review on Environmental Pollution journal. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/environmental-pollution
- Research Article submission (in collaboration with Spoke 2): “Western Hunter-Gatherer genetic ancestry contributes to human longevity in the Italian population”, by Stefania Sarno, Vincenzo Iannuzzi, Marco Sazzini, Chiara Pirazzini, Maria Giulia Bacalini, Davide Gentilini, Giuseppe Passarino, Daniela Mari, Daniela Monti, Benedetta Nacmias, Sandro Sorbi, Davide Pettener, Donata Luiselli, Claudio Franceschi, Paolo Garagnani, Cristina Giuliani. Submitted to Genome Biology journal. https://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/
- Dissemination activity: interview for “Unibo Magazine” on the relationship between sociality and healthy aging https://magazine.unibo.it/archivio/2025/03/11/promuovere-la-socialita-per-contrastare-l2019invecchiamento