Metagenomic and metabolomic remodeling in nonagenarians and centenarians and its association with genetic and socioeconomic factors

Abstract

A better understanding of the biological and environmental variables that contribute to exceptional longevity has the potential to inform the treatment of geriatric diseases and help achieve healthy aging. Here, we compared the gut microbiome and blood metabolome of extremely long-lived individuals (94–105 years old) to that of their children (50–79 years old) in 116 Han Chinese families. We found extensive metagenomic and metabolomic remodeling in advanced age and observed a generational divergence in the correlations with socioeconomic factors. An analysis of quantitative trait loci revealed that genetic associations with metagenomic and metabolomic features were largely generation-specific, but we also found 131 plasma metabolic quantitative trait loci associations that were cross-generational with the genetic variants concentrated in six loci. These included associations between FADS1/2 and arachidonate, PTPA and succinylcarnitine and FLVCR1 and choline. Our characterization of the extensive metagenomic and metabolomic remodeling that occurs in people reaching extreme ages may offer new targets for aging-related interventions. The authors find extensive remodeling of the gut microbiome and blood metabolome in extremely long-lived individuals (94–105 years old) compared to their children (50–79 years old) and report distinct generation-specific and cross-generational associations with genetic and socioeconomic factors.