In this episode of Longevity Papers, we analyze groundbreaking research for biotech longevity scientists: JULY 2025 BREAKTHROUGHS:

1. Beyond the Pseudogene: p17/PERMIT as Mitochondrial Trafficking Protein (Albayram et al., Medical University of South Carolina, July 17)

• Reclassification of "junk DNA" reveals mitochondrial chaperone critical for mitophagy\n • Loss accelerates sarcopenia and neurodegeneration

• URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40671432/

2. RICTOR Regulates Longevity via Methionine-Mitophagy Axis (Motwani et al., National Institute of Immunology, July 10)

• Vitamin B12-driven succinate accumulation activates mitophagy

• Extends C. elegans lifespan through conserved nutrient-sensing pathway

• URL: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.11.664440v1

3. Semaglutide Slows Epigenetic Aging in Humans (Corley et al., Weill Cornell, July 11)

• GLP-1 agonist reduced GrimAge by 1.4-4.9 years in clinical trial

• First evidence of epigenetic age reversal in HIV population\n • URL: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.09.25331038v1

4. ATF3 Deficiency in Vascular Aging (Nie et al., Huazhong University, July 11)

• Terazosin stabilizes ATF3-ATG7 autophagy loop

• Delays vascular smooth muscle cell senescence in aged mice

• URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40641410/

5. Multi-Organ MRI Clocks Predict Mortality (MULTI Consortium, Columbia, July 12)

• Brain/immune aging signatures emerge as top mortality predictors

• 7-organ MRI analysis prioritizes 9 druggable targets

• URL: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.10.25331263v1

6. Primate Rejuvenation via Engineered Stem Cells (Siddique et al., KAUST, June 27)

• FOXO3-enhanced stem cells reversed multi-organ aging in monkeys

• Reduced epigenetic age across brain/immune/reproductive systems

• URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40571786/

7. Biomarker-Driven Geroprotector Discovery (Shindyapina et al., Harvard, June 30)

• Platform identified selumetinib + vorinostat as lifespan-extenders

• MEK/HDAC inhibitors extended healthspan in male mice

• URL: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.26.661776v1

8. Engineered Telomerase RNA Therapy (Nagpal + Agarwal, Boston Children's, June 28)

• Synthetic TERC extended telomeres in patient-derived stem cells

• Solved delivery challenges for telomerase therapy

• URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40579489/

9. ADIOL: Dietary Restriction's Neuroprotective Metabolite (Guijarro-Hernandez et al., UCSF, June 29)

• Key mediator of calorie restriction benefits

• Rescues APOE4-induced cellular stress

• URL: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.25.661551v1

10. Mitochondrial Stress Response Modulator FIP1L1 (Li et al., EPFL, June 26)

• Genetic mapping reveals conserved UPRmt regulator

• Links mitochondrial proteostasis to longevity pathways

• URL: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.26.661693v1

For full papers and daily longevity updates: https://longevitypapers.com

Keywords: longevity research, aging biomarkers, epigenetic clocks, mitophagy, stem cell therapy, telomeres, geroprotectors, dietary restriction, mitochondrial health, neurodegeneration

In this episode of Longevity Papers, we critically analyze five cutting-edge research papers for biotech researchers and longevity enthusiasts, sourced from longevitypapers.com: 1) An Antagonistically Pleiotropic Gene Regulates Vertebrate Growth, Maturity and Aging (Moses et al., biorxiv, June 26, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.01.538839v3) - We explore powerful new evidence for the trade-off theory of aging, where a single gene in killifish drives early maturation at the cost of late-life cancer. 2) Comparative analysis of mouse strains for in vivo induction of reprogramming factors (Picó et al., Cell reports, June 25, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40560729/) - We discuss the development of crucial new mouse models that aim to make systemic rejuvenation via Yamanaka factors safer, a critical step toward clinical translation. 3) Misalignment of age clocks (Mei et al., GeroScience, June 25, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40560445/) - We delve into a critical paper from the Conboy lab that challenges the validity of our most-used biomarkers, the epigenetic clocks, and what it means for the field. 4) Epigenetic age prediction using N6-methyladenine in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Renard et al., biorxiv, June 26, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.20.660749v1) - We look at a completely novel type of epigenetic clock based on N6-methyladenine, a different DNA modification, that could open a new frontier in biomarker discovery. 5) Rejuvenation alleviates prolonged postsurgical pain in aging mice by mitigating inflammaging (Abdelkader et al., Pain, June 23, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40546103/) - We examine how young blood factors can reverse age-related increases in post-surgical pain, reinforcing the role of systemic inflammaging in functional decline.

This week on Longevity Papers, we dissect five groundbreaking papers from the week of June 16th, 2025, sourced from LongevityPapers.com. We prioritize surprising findings from credible labs that challenge existing models in aging research. 1. The Mediator complex subunit Med19 extends healthy lifespan in Drosophila by preventing cellular and organismal frailty (Payet et al., RESTORE Research Center, June 18, 2025, BioRxiv: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.18.659864v1) - We start with the most significant paper of the week: a jaw-dropping claim of a nearly 90% median lifespan extension in fruit flies from upregulating a single gene, Med19. This effect size rivals the most potent interventions known. Well discuss how this master regulator of transcription could be a powerful control knob for aging, its potential for rejuvenation, and the healthy dose of skepticism required for a non-peer-reviewed paper with such a large effect. We compare this to other major lifespan-extending mutations in Drosophila, like those in the Indy gene, and discuss the importance of absolute vs. percentage increase given the variability in control lifespans. 2. An insulin-sensitive Drosophila insulin-like receptor mutant remodels methionine metabolism to extend lifespan. (Tatar et al., Brown University, June 16, 2025, PLoS Genetics: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40523036/) - This elegant study tackles a core problem in longevity research: extending lifespan via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway often comes with nasty side effects like insulin resistance. The authors identified a specific mutation that uncouples these effects, providing longevity while maintaining health. Well break down how it achieves this by mimicking methionine restriction (MetR), beautifully linking two of the most robust longevity pathways. This work offers a more refined roadmap for developing gerotherapeutics that avoid the pitfalls of blunt pathway inhibition. 3. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide extends lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans (Carrilho et al., DOr Institute for Research and Education, June 16, 2025, BioRxiv: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.16.659936v1) - In perhaps the most unexpected finding, researchers show that the classic psychedelic LSD extends lifespan in C. elegans. The key insight is that it appears to act as a caloric restriction (CR) mimetic, activating the key transcription factor PHA-4/FOXA without reducing food intake. This opens a completely new chemical space for geroprotector discovery. We discuss the challenge of human translation and what this implies for other, non-psychedelic serotonergic compounds. We contextualize this by comparing it to known CR mimetics like metformin and rapamycin. 4. Reversible proliferative arrest induced by rapid depletion of RNase MRP. (Liu et al., University of California, Riverside, June 19, 2025, Cell Proliferation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40533478/) - Achieving suspended animation is a holy grail of medicine. This paper presents a novel and surprisingly simple method to induce a long-term, yet fully reversible, state of quiescence in human cells by targeting ribosome biogenesis. Well discuss how this reinforces the rate of living theory and connects to longevity interventions like rapamycin. This provides a powerful new tool for research and a specific target for manipulating cellular states, with potential applications from organ preservation to extending healthspan. 5. A Nucleic Acid Prodrug That Activates Mitochondrial Respiration, Promotes Stress Resilience, and Prolongs Lifespan. (Anada et al., Kyushu University, June 13, 2025, Journal of the American Chemical Society: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40512174/) - From the high-impact journal JACS, this paper describes a novel small molecule designed to directly combat mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of aging. By increasing the pool of adenine nucleotides (ATP), the prodrug activates AMPK and markedly extends lifespan in C. elegans. Well explore the promise of this direct approach to boosting cellular energy and the critical need to consider long-term safety, as broadly boosting energy could have unintended consequences.

In this episode of Longevity Papers, we critically analyze a groundbreaking new paper for biotech researchers and longevity enthusiasts: A single factor for safer cellular rejuvenation by Camillo et al. from Shift Bioscience, posted to bioRxiv on June 6, 2025 (https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.05.657370). The paper introduces a single, anonymous gene, SB000, discovered through a novel rejuvenation-first screening platform. The authors claim SB000 rivals the rejuvenation potency of the famous Yamanaka factors (OSKM) without inducing the dangerous pluripotency that has hindered their therapeutic use. We delve into the multi-omic evidence, including the dramatic reversal of epigenetic clocks in both fibroblasts (Figure 2) and keratinocytes (Figure 4) - by as much as 13.6 years in skin cells. We also examine the crucial safety data from Figure 3, which shows SB000 preserves cellular identity and function, like collagen secretion, and, unlike OSK, fails to form pluripotent colonies in long-term culture. While the findings are exciting, we maintain a healthy skepticism, discussing the major limitations: this is an un-reviewed preprint, the identity of SB000 is a trade secret, the discovery relies on a proprietary black box clock, and all experiments are conducted in vitro, a far cry from a living organism. Finally, we propose the essential follow-up studies needed to validate these claims, from dissecting the genes mechanism of action to the critical in vivo proof-of-concept experiments in aged mice to test for true healthspan improvements and, most importantly, long-term safety.

In this episode of Longevity Papers, we critically analyze five cutting-edge research papers for biotech researchers and longevity enthusiasts: 1) The geroprotectors trametinib and rapamycin combine additively to extend mouse healthspan and lifespan (Gkioni et al., Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Published online: May 28, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40437307/) - We delve into how combining trametinib (a Ras-MEK-ERK inhibitor) and rapamycin (an mTORC1 inhibitor) leads to an additive lifespan extension of up to 34.9% in female mice and 27.4% in male mice. We examine the significant healthspan improvements, including reduced tumor burden and systemic inflammation, and discuss the unique transcriptional changes induced by the combination therapy. We also critically assess the persistence of rapamycin-associated side effects like hyperglycemia and liver lipidosis. 2) A non-genotoxic stem cell therapy boosts lymphopoiesis and averts age-related blood diseases in mice (Konturek-Ciesla et al., Lund University, Published online: June 02, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40456713/) - We explore a novel non-genotoxic conditioning regimen (CD45-SAP immunotoxin with G-CSF/AMD3100 mobilization) that allows for safe and effective transplantation of young hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into aged mice. We discuss the therapys success in improving hematopoietic output, restoring youthful naive T-cell populations, and preventing disease progression, including acute leukemia, in a mouse model of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). The major translational hurdle of sourcing young HSCs for human application is also considered. 3) Cell-type-specific patterns and consequences of somatic mutation in development and aging brain (Kriz, A. J., et al., Boston Children H_ospital, biorxiv, June 01, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.30.656844v1) - We analyze the introduction of Duplex-Multiome, a new technique allowing simultaneous identification of somatic single-nucleotide variants (sSNVs) along with single-nucleus chromatin accessibility (snATAC-seq) and gene expression (snRNA-seq). We discuss findings that different brain cell types exhibit unique age-related somatic mutation patterns and how these mutations can correlate with changes in gene expression, potentially linking somatic mutagenesis directly to functional changes in the aging brain. 4) Pasta, an age-shift transcriptomic clock, maps the chemical and genetic determinants of aging and rejuvenation (Salignon, J., et al., Karolinska Institute, biorxiv, June 04, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.04.657785v1) - We examine Pasta, a novel transcriptomic aging clock designed to be robustly applicable across various data types. We look into its use in identifying known and novel age-modulatory compounds and genetic perturbations from large datasets, with piperlongumine validated as a rejuvenating agent. The discussion covers its potential as a discovery tool for new geroprotectors by linking aging signatures to p53 and DNA damage response pathways. 5) Nephronectin (NPNT) is a Crucial Determinant of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Modulating Cellular Senescence via the ITGA3/YAP1 Signaling Axis (Guo, J., et al., Harbin Medical University, Advanced Science, May 30, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40444575/) - We review findings identifying Nephronectin (NPNT) as a molecule whose expression is reduced in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and which plays a role in modulating cellular senescence via the ITGA3/YAP1 signaling pathway. We discuss how NPNT deficiency exacerbates fibrosis and senescence, while its overexpression or pharmacological elevation using Escin can be protective in mouse models of IPF, offering potential new therapeutic avenues for this age-related disease. Throughout the episode, we critically evaluate the methodologies, interpret key data from the full papers where available, maintain a skeptical stance on preliminary findings, and propose essential follow-up experiments to further validate and expand upon these important contributions to longevity research.

In this episode of Longevity Papers, we critically analyze five groundbreaking research papers for biotech researchers and longevity enthusiasts: 1) Lysosomes Signal through Epigenome to Regulate Longevity across Generations (Zhang et al., HHMI Janelia Research Campus, May 24, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.21.652954v1) - We explore how lysosomal metabolic pathways regulate transgenerational longevity in C. elegans via H3.3 histone transport and H3K79 methylation. The germline-specific epigenetic inheritance mechanism challenges conventional views of aging as irreversible. We discuss the controversial implications for mammalian reprogramming. 2) Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Biomarkers That Contribute to Biological Age Rejuvenation in Response to Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (Fuentealba et al., Buck Institute for Research on Aging, May 27, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40424097/) - We examine how therapeutic plasma exchange reversed epigenetic aging in 42 older adults across 15 clocks. The monthly protocol showed strongest effects but raises questions about IVIG confounding and whether this represents true multi-omic reset versus transient biomarker modulation. 3) Improving Cellular Senescence Detection with Weak Gene Markers in Single-Cell RNA-seq via Iterative Imputation (Xu et al., Southeast University, May 29, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.25.656048v1) - We analyze the ICE computational framework that boosts senescent cell detection accuracy from 56% to 98% in pancreatic tissue. The method overcomes limitations of weak markers like p16 and enables precise mapping in Alzheimers microglia, potentially resolving controversies in senolytic efficacy studies. 4) Multiplexed Targeted Spatial Mass Spectrometry Imaging Assays to Monitor Lipids and NAD+ Metabolites in CD38 Knockout Mice (Schurman et al., Buck Institute for Research on Aging, May 26, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.25.655991v1) - We investigate the iprm-PASEF imaging technique that revealed increased NAD+ and altered lipid distribution in CD38-/- livers at subcellular resolution. The spatial metabolomics approach provides unprecedented insight but raises questions about immune tradeoffs of CD38 inhibition. 5) Telomeric Antisense Oligonucleotides Reduce Premature Aging Phenotypes in Telomerase Mutant Zebrafish (Allavena et al., Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, May 27, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.23.655694v1) - We review how single-dose tASOs rescued developmental defects and enhanced fertility in telomerase-deficient zebrafish by inhibiting tncRNA-mediated DNA damage response. The transgenerational effects suggest epigenetic reprogramming but highlight zebrafish-mammalian translation challenges. Throughout the episode, we delve into experimental methods, interpret figures beyond the abstracts, maintain healthy skepticism toward preliminary findings, and propose crucial follow-up studies to validate each papers conclusions. Special focus is given to the paradigm-shifting implications of lysosomal epigenetics and clinical translation of plasma exchange rejuvenation.

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In this episode of Longevity Papers, we critically analyze five cutting-edge research papers for biotech researchers and longevity enthusiasts:

1) "Muscle peripheral circadian clock drives nocturnal protein degradation via raised Ror/Rev-erb balance and prevents premature sarcopenia" (Kelu, Hughes, King's College London, May 05, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40324...) - We explore how the muscle's intrinsic clock regulates protein degradation pathways (UPS and autophagy) at night, with clock disruption causing initial muscle growth but accelerating sarcopenia. The zebrafish model reveals the Ror/Rev-erb balance as a potential therapeutic target.

2) "Fucoidans are senotherapeutics that enhance SIRT6-dependent DNA repair" (Zhang et al., University of Minnesota, April 28, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.11...) - We examine how these brown algae compounds activate SIRT6 to reduce cellular senescence and enhance DNA repair in accelerated aging mice. We discuss the study's limitations including the lack of lifespan data in normal aging models and the need for standardized fucoidan formulations.

3) "Genetic correlation-guided mega-analysis of DO mice provides mechanistic insight for age-related pathologies" (Mullis et al., Calico Life Sciences, May 17, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.11...) - We analyze this comprehensive study of 7,233 phenotypes in Diversity Outbred mice, which challenges existing paradigms by showing weak correlation between lifespan and frailty genetics while highlighting immune cell composition as a key factor.

4) "The broccoli derivative sulforaphane extends lifespan by slowing the transcriptional aging clock" (Sedore et al., University of Oregon, May 16, 2025, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.11...) - We investigate how this natural compound extends C. elegans lifespan by 50% through hormetic detoxification pathways, while questioning the translational relevance and proposing mammalian validation studies.

5) "AI-Driven Identification of Exceptionally Efficacious Polypharmacological Compounds That Extend Lifespan" (Avchaciov et al., Gero PTE, April 22, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40260...) - We review how AI-designed multi-target compounds achieved remarkable lifespan extension in C. elegans, representing a paradigm shift in geroprotector development.

Throughout the episode, we delve into experimental methods, interpret figures beyond the abstracts, maintain healthy skepticism toward preliminary findings, and propose crucial follow-up studies to validate or challenge each paper's conclusions.

Paper Title: Boosting Cellular Longevity Through Intracellular ATP Modulation

Authors: Naci Oz, Hetian Su, Praveen Patnaik, Derek C. Prosser, Vyacheslav M. Labunskyy, Rohil Hameed, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Nan Hao, Alaattin Kaya

Institution: University of Virginia, University of California San Diego, Boston University, Harvard Medical School

Date: April 16, 2025

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.14.648769v1

Key Findings:

Engineered yeast with a parasitic ATP transporter (NTT1) showed ATP depletion shortens lifespan, while supplementation extends it. Dual mechanisms: mitochondrial suppression (catabolism) and extracellular ATP sensing (MAPK activation).

40% lifespan extension in NTT1 yeast (p=4.03E-18), but high-dose ATP caused toxicity in mitochondrial-competent cells (Fig 6B).

Limitations: Yeast models lack human aging complexity (e.g., inflammation, systemic decline).

Next Steps: Validate in mammals, identify ATP-sensing receptors, test combinatorial therapies (e.g., ATP + rapamycin).

Paper Title: HDAC11 Deficiency Regulates Age-Related Muscle Decline and Sarcopenia

Authors: Renato Odria, Aina Cardús, Clara Gomis-Coloma, Ulalume Hernández-Arciga, Ceda Stamenkovic, Shweta Yadav

Institution: Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Spain

Date: April 12, 2025

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40220154/

Key Findings:

HDAC11-deficient aged mice resisted sarcopenia: 26% larger type IIb muscle fibers (p less than 0.0001), 55% fewer lipid droplets (Fig 6B), and ω-6/ω-3 ratio reversal (3.5 → 1.8).

50% increase in PAX7⁺ satellite cells post-injury, suggesting enhanced regeneration.

Limitations: Small cohort (n=19 KO mice), survival bias (0% mortality vs. 27% in WT), no dietary controls.

Next Steps: Muscle-specific KO models, lysine-myristoylation proteomics, in vivo electrophysiology.

Comparative Insights:

Both studies target metabolic pathways (ATP/HDAC11) but lack translational rigor.

Yeast highlights energy flux; mice emphasize lipid/metabolic reprogramming.

Critical gap: Human relevance unproven. Prioritize muscle-specific and dose-controlled studies.

Paper: Epigenetic editing at individual age-associated CpGs affects the genome-wide epigenetic aging landscape.

Authors: Liesenfelder, S., Elsafi Mabrouk, M.H., Iliescu, J. *et al.*. The corresponding author is Wolfgang Wagner.

Journal: Nature Aging

Published: 24 March 2025.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-00841-1 (This DOI can be used to access the paper.)

This week, we delve into a fascinating paper from Nature Aging that explores the impact of **epigenetic editing at individual age-associated CpG sites on the broader epigenetic aging landscape**. Researchers, including S. Liesenfelder and Wolfgang Wagner, utilized CRISPR-based editing tools (dCas9-DNMT3A, CRISPRoff) to target specific CpG sites and observed **genome-wide methylation changes, termed "bystander effects"**. These effects were found to be **reproducible and linked to 3D chromatin interactions**. Notably, **hypermethylation at age-associated sites showed greater stability compared to hypomethylated targets**.

This paper raises some critical questions for the longevity biotech field:

As one talking point suggests, **"If aging is an orchestra, this paper shows the musicians talk to each other—but we still don’t know who’s the conductor"**. How do these localized epigenetic edits propagate and influence the wider genome?

Another point to consider: **"Editing one CpG is like poking a spiderweb: the whole structure vibrates, but does it matter for the spider?"**. Are these genome-wide changes functionally significant for the aging process?

The study uses **epigenetic clocks**, which are highlighted as **"like a car’s dashboard warning lights. Fixing the light doesn’t fix the engine"**. Does altering these clocks through epigenetic editing truly impact the underlying mechanisms of aging, or are we just tweaking a biomarker?

While the paper demonstrates these bystander effects, it's important to consider the magnitude of the changes, with opinions noting that the hyper-CpG changes in Fig 5ab may not be that impressive.

The relevance of epigenetic clocks for interventions also needs scrutiny, as they are not yet fully validated for this purpose.

There's potential for applying information theory and compression concepts to better understand the communication within this epigenetic network.

We will discuss the potential implications of these "bystander effects" and consider the limitations of using epigenetic clocks as direct targets for anti-aging therapies, especially in the absence of more supporting research. We will also briefly touch on related research in epigenetic editing and its broader applications.