The DNA methylation landscape of naturally short-lived killifish

Scientific Reports 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Mara Steiger, Nishita Singh, Alexandra M. Tyers, Helene Kretzmer, Dario Riccardo Valenzano, Alexander Meissner
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-39352-3
Cited by: 2
References: 60

Abstract

Annual killifish of the genus Nothobranchius are naturally short-lived vertebrates that exhibit a wide range of aging characteristics typically observed in mammals. Here, we provide the first comprehensive whole-genome methylation map for two species, revealing local age-related as well as tissue-specific dynamics in the DNA methylome. Our maps and results support the annual killifish as a model organism and further highlight its value for studying aging including possible health status predictions in vertebrates.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Epigenetics and DNA Methylation Fish biology ecology and behavior Genomics and Rare Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
7173–7173
Publication date
19 February 2026
Language
EN