• A protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL)-studied in humans in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and aging-is also detectable in the blood of numerous animals, and NfL levels increase with age in mice, cats, dogs and horses. • Experts from the DZNE and the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH) at the University of Tübingen report these findings in PLOS Biology. • In their view, this biomarker could help to assess the biological age of animals and estimate their life expectancy.
Article Summaries:
- Researchers from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research have reported that neurofilament light chain (NfL), a protein linked to neurodegeneration in humans, is detectable in the blood of several animal species. In mice, cats, dogs, and horses, NfL concentrations rise with age. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that this biomarker could serve as a universal indicator of biological age and help estimate life expectancy across diverse animals. The findings open possibilities for monitoring aging and health status in veterinary and wildlife settings.
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