The assessment of biological age in humans is predominantly based on immune cell characteristics in blood samples. However, when comparing data obtained from mice to humans, it is essential to consider the differences in biology between the two species. This review examines key aging biomarkers in the hematopoietic systems of mice and humans, highlighting discrepancies in myeloid bias, telomere attrition, and epigenetic clocks. While some markers are consistent across species, others vary significantly. Ultimately, careful selection of appropriate biomarkers is crucial for extrapolating findings from mouse models to human aging.
Aging affects the regenerative capacity of the hematopoietic system, with mouse models providing valuable insights into genetic, treatment, and environmental influences on aging due to their shorter lifespan. However, not all aspects of aging observed in mice are reflective of human aging. For example, myeloid bias is a significant marker of aging in mice but is rarely seen in humans post-childhood. On the other hand, telomere length is a reliable aging biomarker in humans but shows different dynamics in mice. Epigenetic clocks, on the other hand, offer precise estimates of biological age in both species, highlighting common age-associated regions in their genomes. Despite the differences, utilizing shared aging phenomena in mice and humans can enhance the translatability of findings to human aging processes.
For a deeper understanding of the differences in aging between mice and humans, further exploration of aging biomarkers is recommended. To access the full article, click on the following link: Link.
