Canadian researchers developed a multi-trait polygenic score combining genetic variants from 33 phenotypes to predict intrinsic capacity—a comprehensive measure of healthy aging spanning cognitive, locomotor, psychological, vitality, and sensory domains. The model explained 2.23% of variance in intrinsic capacity among 13,085 participants, with vitality-related traits like grip strength, body mass index, and fat-free mass emerging as strongest genetic predictors. The polygenic score correlated with traditional phenotype-based intrinsic capacity measures and showed inverse association with mortality risk. This represents a novel approach to quantifying biological aging risk through genetic architecture rather than purely observable traits. The finding suggests intrinsic capacity has measurable genetic underpinnings that span multiple physiological systems, potentially enabling earlier identification of individuals at risk for accelerated aging. However, the modest variance explained indicates environmental factors remain dominant in aging trajectories. As a preprint awaiting peer review, these results require validation across diverse populations and ancestries before clinical application. The work could eventually inform personalized aging interventions, though current predictive power limits immediate practical utility for individual risk assessment.
Multi-Trait Polygenic Score Predicts Intrinsic Capacity Across 5 Aging Domains
📄 Based on research published in medRxiv preprint
Read the original research →⚠️ This is a preprint — it has not yet been peer-reviewed. Results should be interpreted with caution and may change following peer review.
For informational, non-clinical use. Synthesized analysis of published research — may contain errors. Not medical advice. Consult original sources and your physician.