Maria Branyas, who died a year ago at the age of 117 in the Olot residence where she had lived for two decades, being then the oldest person in the world, she was fortunate to inherit a privileged genome that, according to researchers, made her cells “feel” and “behave” like younger cells, with a biological age of about seventeen years less. She also had a microbiota typical of a child. This is the conclusion of the study led by Manel Esteller, head of the Epigenetics Group of the Josep Carreras Institute, professor of genetics at the University of Barcelona and the world’s leading authority on epigenetics and the study of aging and cancer. Numerous research teams of great international prestige have participated, the vast majority of them Catalan, and it is the most exhaustive and complete research ever carried out on a supercentenarian (those who live more than 100 years). The results, which the ARA has accessed for the first time, are revealing.
Cells that “felt” younger
Through the exhaustive multiomic study carried out on Maria Branyas (of her genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, proteomic, microbiomic and epigenomic landscapes in different tissues), identifying and analyzing rare genetic variants through complete genome sequencing, or of her exceptional blood lipid profile, with very high levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and very low bad cholesterol (LDL).
In Maria Branyas we found a combination of rare variants in multiple genes and pathways (immune system, cardioprotection, brain activity and mitochondrial metabolism) that probably acted together to promote her extraordinary longevity." ”
Aldeguer highlights, as also noted in the study, that during her 20 years of living in the Olot residence Maria Branyas followed a Mediterranean diet that included three yoghurts a day, and he is convinced that this helped to keep her intestinal bacteria population healthy.
Read the full story here: A genetic study shows that the ‘Catalan super-avian’ had a microbiota typical of a child
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Esteller took blood, mouth and urine samples from Branyas. “We will study the genome, microbes, proteins and metabolism to uncover clues explaining high longevity, and investigate any genetic mutations,” he said. Even without conclusive results, the scientist already has some data: Branyas’ cells are roughly 10 years younger than their actual age. How is this possible? “Because she was dealt a great hand and has played her cards very well for 117 years,” said Esteller, who likens genetics to cards. They can be good or bad, but they must be played well to have a long life. “If you’ve got a good hand but don’t know how to play poker, you’re out of luck. In her case, it seems she hit the jackpot with good genes and healthy habits.” But the wear and tear of 117 years can be clearly seen with a microscope. “Her cells no longer have the tips of the chromosomes, which are like a protective hood. And she barely has any stem cells and immune system cells left.”
Like many supercentenarians, Ms. Branyas became the subject of scientific fascination. Dr. Esteller, the researcher who studied her genetics and lifestyle, found that her genes were protective against DNA damage, and that she had low levels of fat and sugar in her blood — all of which he said was helpful for living a long life. His research also found that her cells aged much slower than she did, meaning that she had a lower “biological age” than her actual age.
The Catalan diet, which is similar to the Mediterranean diet and includes a lot of olive oil, has also been linked to longer survival, he said. He added that Ms. Branyas liked to eat yogurt.