On February 14, 2024, Nature Medicine published research co-authored by Scientific Director Nir Barzilai, MD, as well as several AFAR-affiliated experts, on the need for and development of biomarkers of aging.
The abstract states:
"The search for biomarkers that quantify biological aging (particularly ‘omic’-based biomarkers) has intensified in recent years. Such biomarkers could predict aging-related outcomes and could serve as surrogate endpoints for the evaluation of interventions promoting healthy aging and longevity. However, no consensus exists on how biomarkers of aging should be validated before their translation to the clinic. Here, we review current efforts to evaluate the predictive validity of omic biomarkers of aging in population studies, discuss challenges in comparability and generalizability and provide recommendations to facilitate future validation of biomarkers of aging. Finally, we discuss how systematic validation can accelerate clinical translation of biomarkers of aging and their use in gerotherapeutic clinical trials."
AFAR's FAST (Finding Aging biomarkers by Searching existing Trials) Initiative aims to determine which targeted and omics-based biomarker approaches are feasible yet innovative enough to advance development of biomarkers for clinical trials in aging. Learn more here and read a related feature in our 2022 annual report here.
AFAR's Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports omic-based research in aging.
Among the co-authors are AFAR grantees Kristen Fortney (2013 Ellison Medical Foundation/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellowship), Brian Kennedy (2003 AFAR Research Grant and 2008 Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) program), and Vittorio Sebastiano (2020 Glenn Foundation Breakthroughs in Aging Award and 2017 Glenn/AFAR Research Grant for Junior Faculty), as well as 2022 Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research honoree, Jamie N. Justice. Members of AFAR scientific review committees who co-authored the article include: Daniel W. Belsky, Luigi Ferrucci, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Steve Horvath, and Eric Verdin.
The article, "Validation of Biomarkers of Aging" is available with paid or institutional access to Nature Medicine here.
