Castration prolongs the life of sheep by feminizing the epigenome to reduce androgen-regulated aging.
PHOTO: ZOONAR GMBH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
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Castration prolongs the life of sheep by feminizing the epigenome to reduce androgen-regulated aging.
PHOTO: ZOONAR GMBH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
As we age, our genetic material changes, not only through DNA mutation but also by epigenetic modification. Indeed, chronological age can be estimated based on analysis of DNA methylation. Male and female mammals display different average life spans, and a role for sex hormones is expected in this effect. Sugrue et al. established an epigenetic clock in sheep by examining methylated DNA in samples from blood and ears. They show that castration extends an animal’s life span and feminizes the epigenome at specific androgen-regulated loci during aging.
eLife 10, e64932 (2021).