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Evolutionary genomics of lifespan variation in mammals
Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Mark C Turner
University of Registration: Coventry University
BBSRC Research Themes:
Project Outline
Why do some mammals live for just a few years, while others survive for decades? Lifespan varies enormously across mammals, yet the genomic foundations of this variation remain poorly understood. This project will use comparative genomics to uncover the molecular signatures associated with longevity, drawing on the rapidly expanding collection of high-quality mammalian genomes.
The research will integrate large-scale genome data with species-specific lifespan records to identify patterns of sequence conservation, gene family evolution, and regulatory features that correlate with variation in lifespan. Particular emphasis will be placed on genomic elements previously implicated in ageing (e.g. DNA repair, immune function, and metabolic pathways), but the project will also explore novel features using data-driven discovery.
A key component will be the development and application of machine learning approaches, from interpretable models to deep learning, to detect sequence motifs and combinations of motifs that distinguish long-lived from short-lived species. These methods will allow both simple patterns and higher-order interactions in the genome to be linked to lifespan evolution. An experimental part of the project will involve the genetic testing of the identified genomic patterns linked to longevity.
The project provides training in evolutionary genomics, machine learning, and comparative methods, offering the opportunity to address a major open question in biology: the genomic basis of lifespan. The findings will not only advance our understanding of ageing and mammalian diversity, but may also shed light on the molecular mechanisms that promote health and longevity.
