AGENOMICS : Using Genomic Data from Centenarians and Longitudinal Cohorts to Develop New Anti-Aging Strategies

Age-associated diseases are numerous and heterogeneous in their manifestations and evolution, and they constitute a major public health challenge. They lead to dependency, reductions in quality-adjusted life expectancy, and overall mortality. Consequently, improved therapeutic and preventive strategies are urgently needed. 

Centenarians represent a striking counterexample, with a healthy life expectancy significantly higher than the general population. Centenarians have resisted cancer and escaped the diseases of advanced age. In France, there were 29,995 of them in 2022, with a projection reaching approximately 211,000 people by 2070. A major explanation is the genetic/epigenetic component, as shown by the centenarians in the Chronos cohort (more than 1,000 centenarians born between 1880 and 1900 experienced war, famine, and less medicalization). 

The AGENOMICS project led by Jean-François Deleuze, in collaboration with Jean-François Zagury, aims to exploit advances in genomics to investigate the genetic determinants of age‑related diseases and longevity by analyzing a cohort of centenarians. It is based on the partnership of 3 internationally recognized research teams, the CEPH, a pioneer in human genetics, the CNRGH, the French national center dedicated to the sequencing of human genomes, and the GBCM Laboratory of Cnam, expert in the bioinformatics exploitation of genomic data.  

Thanks to the unique cohorts of the AGENOMICS project and the revival of a European collaboration, the consortium will identify genetic and epigenetic markers associated with susceptibility or enhenced resilience to age-related diseases (neurodegenerative, cancers, infections). These markers are useful as diagnostic and predictive tools for ageing well. The genotype–phenotype associations discovered should also clarify underlying molecular mechanisms, facilitating the rational identification of candidate molecules and intervention strategies to modulate aging and promote healthy aging. 

This project should help us understand the mechanisms at play in "healthy" aging, to develop screening tests for age-related fragilities, and propose active agents that can beneficially modulate aging.