Maria Branyas Morera, verified as the world's oldest person before her death at 117 in August 2024, offers a unique opportunity to understand the biology of exceptional longevity. A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine delves into her remarkable life, exploring the interplay of genetics and lifestyle in achieving such an advanced age.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona, led by Dr. Manel Esteller, collected various biological samples from Ms. Branyas, including blood, saliva, urine, and stool. These samples provided a comprehensive profile of her unique physiology, encompassing her genetic makeup, metabolic processes, and gut microbiome. Her collaborative spirit and humble attitude – "My only merit is that I'm alive," she reportedly said – facilitated this groundbreaking research.
The study compared Ms. Branyas's biological data with that of other women of various ages in the same region of Spain. A key finding challenges the established link between telomere length and age-related diseases. While Ms. Branyas possessed exceptionally short telomeres – protective caps on chromosomes that typically shorten with age – she remained remarkably healthy, suggesting that telomere shortening isn't necessarily a direct predictor of disease, but rather a marker of advanced age.
Further analysis revealed insights into her overall health profile. While details regarding her specific genetic predispositions were not extensively elaborated upon in the study, the findings emphasize the synergistic effect of both genetic factors and lifestyle choices. Ms. Branyas's daily consumption of yogurt and active lifestyle are potentially contributing factors to her longevity. Her daily routine included reading, interacting with her family, including her two daughters, both in their 90s, and enjoying the company of her pets.
While acknowledging that research based on a single individual has limitations, experts like Mayana Zatz, a geneticist at the University of São Paulo, emphasize the study's thoroughness and the need for further research comparing Ms. Branyas's profile with that of supercentenarians from diverse populations. This comparative analysis is crucial for identifying universal patterns and factors that contribute to exceptional longevity and could pave the way for future interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging in the broader population.
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Originally published at: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03112-6
