# ASU research on canine epigenetic aging > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/asu-research-on-canine-epigenetic-aging > Updated: 2026-10-13T12:39:59.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2. Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a genomic mechanism that explains why large dog breeds age more rapidly than smaller ones. According to a study published in the journal Science, this accelerated molecular aging is linked to a loss of epigenetic control over “jumping genes,” specifically known as LINE1 elements. By analyzing DNA methylation profiles from 894 dogs through the Dog Aging Project, scientists developed an epigenetic clock to predict biological age. The research found that larger breeds lose approximately 35% more methylation in regions associated with LINE1 per year compared to smaller breeds. This loss of regulation allows transposable elements to increase activity, leading to genomic instability. The study notes that for every year a dog’s epigenetic age exceeds its chronological age, the risk of death increases by 15%. Lead author Noah Snyder-Mackler noted that while it was previously known large dogs lived shorter lives, it was unclear if their cells aged faster or if they simply succumbed to diseases earlier. Additionally, the research observed that males may exhibit faster molecular aging processes than females. As these chemical markers diminish, the weakened control over LINE-1 elements may lead to DNA damage and an increased risk of tumors and age-related diseases. These findings regarding DNA regulation may eventually provide insights into human health and the biological processes of human aging. ## Claims - Researchers from Arizona State University led a study published in Science regarding canine aging. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Large dog breeds tend to age faster and have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Noah Snyder-Mackler is the lead author of the study and a professor at Arizona State University. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The accelerated aging in large dogs may be linked to the loss of epigenetic marks that control transposable elements. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The research utilized DNA samples from the Dog Aging Project. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The loss of methylation marks can lead to the activation of 'jumping genes' like LINE-1, causing genomic instability. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Arizona State University researchers link large dog size to faster aging A study published in Science reveals that larger dog breeds age faster due to the loss of epigenetic control over “jumping genes,” leading to increased DNA instability and disease risk. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arizona-state-university-study-links-large-dog-aging-to-epigenetic-changes ### 2026-10-10: Arizona State University researchers link large dog aging to jumping genes A study published in Science reveals that large dog breeds age faster due to the loss of epigenetic control over “jumping genes” (LINE1 elements), which increases genomic instability. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/large-dog-breeds-experience-accelerated-molecular-aging --- Cite as: ASU research on canine epigenetic aging. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/asu-research-on-canine-epigenetic-aging