Slower rates of accumulation of DNA damage in leukocytes correlate with longer lifespans across several species of birds and mammals

Although there is previous evidence showing an increase in various types of DNA damage with aging in mice and humans, a comparative study determining accumulation rates of DNA double strand breaks, as determined by presence of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX), in leukocytes of individuals of different ages from phylogenetically distinct species from birds to mammals was lacking. Here, we demonstrate that the rate of accumulation of DNA damage as measured by the DNA damage marker γH2AX correlates with species longevity in dolphins, goats, reindeer, American flamingos, and griffon vultures. In particular, we find that species that show slower rates of accumulation of the DNA damage marker γH2AX also live longer.