Edinburgh discovers accelerated aging syndrome

Scientists, led by the University of Edinburgh, have discovered a rare genetic condition called Heyn-Sproul-Jackson syndrome (HESJAS) that causes accelerated aging. This breakthrough provides the first direct evidence that a 'biological clock' of DNA methylation actively contributes to age-related diseases, rather than merely measuring time. The study, funded by the Australia — Australian Research Council and the United Kingdom — Medical Research Council, found that individuals with HESJAS exhibit age-related health issues much earlier, including decreased blood cell production, osteoporosis, and hair loss. Mouse models also showed metabolic changes linked to diabetes and high cholesterol. This research, published in Nature Genetics, involved an international team including scientists from the University of Cambridge, the Institute of Cancer Research, the Spain — Spanish National Research Council, and hospitals across France, Norway, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States. The findings are expected to support the design of future medicines to counter diseases linked to older age.