Big dogs age faster than small ones at the epigenetic level, study finds

A study in Science analyzed the methylome of 894 dogs from the Dog Aging Project and built epigenetic clocks from immune cells. Large breeds age faster per year of life than small ones, linked to loss of methylation at transposable elements and rising inflammation.

• Researchers built epigenetic clocks from blood DNA of 894 dogs
• Big dogs age faster per year of life than small dogs
• Key factor is loss of methylation at transposable elements
• Activated jumping genes damage other genes and drive inflammation