Biologists find why large dog breeds age faster

A genetic analysis of 864 dogs from the Dog Aging Project found that larger breeds lose DNA methylation on LINE1 "jumping genes" faster. The loss of regulation drives genetic instability, disease and cancer, accelerating aging.

• Data from 864 dogs in the Dog Aging Project analyzed
• Over 40% of LINE1 regions lose methylation with age
• Large breeds lose 35% more LINE1 methylation than small ones
• Findings published in the journal Science