01 May 2026 : Editorial
Editorial: The Quest for Biomarkers of Biological Age and Longevity Identifies Roles for Small Noncoding RNAs, Including PIWI-Interacting RNAs
Dinah V. Parums A 1*DOI: 10.12659/MSM.953865
Med Sci Monit 2026; 32:e953865
Table 2 Characteristics of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) as hidden regulators of aging [11,12].
| Characteristics of piRNAs | Implications |
|---|---|
| Binding to PIWI proteins: | PIWI proteins are a conserved family of RNA-binding proteins involved in germline development, stem cell maintenance, and genome integrity that bind to small noncoding PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) []11 |
| Biomarkers of biological age: | piRNAs in the bloodstream can predict survival with a significantly greater accuracy than medical assessment, diet, lifestyle, or chronological age []12 |
| Biomarkers of survival: | Six specific piRNAs detected in the blood can predict two-year survival (with 86% accuracy) []12 |
| Low levels of piRNAs are beneficial: | Lower levels of circulating piRNAs are associated with longer survival in those >71 years []12 |
| Chronological age (time since birth) and biological age (true age at the cellular level): | The piRNA signature may act as a molecular clock that reflects biological aging and functional cell aging |
| Potential for reversibility of aging: | Unlike chronological aging, biological aging could be modifiable |
| Identification of risk: | Blood testing for piRNAs could identify high-risk older adults |
| Targeted therapy for aging: | Lowering of specific piRNA levels may lead to anti-aging therapies to prolong a healthy lifespan |