Scientists in Spain are examining the DNA of Maria Branyas, who passed away at 117 years of age. The genome astonishingly exhibits significant “youthfulness.” Within her genome, the researchers found rare variants thought to protect her heart, brain, and immune system. The team wants to investigate Branyas’ genome to unlock the secrets of aging and possibly identify biomarkers for healthy longevity.
They also believe it could influence overall life expectancy. Before dying in 2024, Branyas provided blood and saliva samples, representing the oldest current living person throughout the research process. The findings were published in Cell Reports Medicine. Read her story below.
Scientists and researchers performed blood, saliva, urine, and stool sample collections for Branyas. She willingly volunteered for the samples, which scientists carefully examined the phenotype of her DNA. Her cells worked and acted similarly to a younger person despite being very old. The results of this older case study are specific to one person, so they can extend our view of the biology of aging.
Branyas had good heart health. Her body had very low levels of bad cholesterol and high levels of good cholesterol. This pattern suggests there may be an early low epidemiological risk for any potential disease. Branyas did not have the common signs of aging.
Her body has a very low inflammatory response. When a person ages, their body does not usually have a low level of inflammation. Branyas did not display any of these markers, which likely supported her longevity.
Branyas eats yogurt with fresh foods each day, supporting her gut health. Reading helps keep her mind sharp. Social visits keep her engaged. Regular walking helps maintain her physique. These behaviors help improve her genetics.
She has a moderate amount of telomere shortening than would be expected. Telomeres are like shoelaces that cap each chromosome. Short telomeres typically indicate that the cells will age quickly and function poorly, but in her case they are helping keep her cancer at bay, which is an interesting paradox for researchers.
She has an immune system that acts as though she is twenty years old and fights threats to her health efficiently. The microbiome in her gut has a composition that mirrors that of a twenty-year-old, has diversity and supports digestion. Overall, these markers are a strong indication of good health.
The team of researchers, including epigeneticists, concluded that “advanced age is no excuse for poor health”. One subject can lead to broader exploration of lifestyle habits. The research team prospects the interplay of genes and behaviors with longevity.
Branyas exemplifies that lifestyle habits that promote health can be sustained in old age. She has shown us how to model this long into the future: Keep eating, keep moving, keep socializing.
Also Read: Tears Can Now Diagnose Cancer, Alzheimer’s– Here’s How
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