Blood marker from dementia research could help track aging across the animal world
Phys.org
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists have discovered that neurofilament light chain (NfL), a protein previously studied in humans for its role in neurodegenerative diseases and aging, is also detectable in various animals. Researchers from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH) at the University of Tübingen found that NfL levels increase with age in mice, cats, dogs, and horses. This biomarker could serve as a reliable indicator to assess biological age and estimate life expectancy across different animal species.
The study, published in PLOS Biology, highlights the universality of NfL as an aging marker. By analyzing blood samples from diverse animals, the researchers demonstrated that NfL levels correlate with advancing age consistently. This finding builds on previous human studies where elevated NfL levels were linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as normal aging processes. The ability to measure NfL in animals opens new avenues for comparative aging research.
This breakthrough could revolutionize how we study aging and age-related diseases in both humans and animals. By providing a standardized method to evaluate biological age, NfL measurements could aid in developing interventions to slow down aging or improve life expectancy. This research not only advances our understanding of aging but also has potential applications in veterinary medicine and comparative biology, offering insights into evolutionary aspects of aging across species.
The discovery of NfL as a universal aging marker is significant for scientists interested in the mechanisms of aging and its impact on health. It underscores the importance of cross-species research in advancing medical knowledge and highlights the interconnectedness of biological processes across different organisms. This study marks a crucial step toward unlocking new strategies to combat age-related diseases and enhance life quality, both in humans and animals.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/20/2026