P. Eline Slagboom

Leiden University, MPI AGE, Global Faculty UoC

Prof. Eline Slagboom

Principal Investigator
Global Faculty University of Cologne
Professor of Molecular Epidemology, Leiden University

p.slagboom[at]lumc.nl

Research Areas

Molecular Biology and Epidemiology of Human Aging

We perform genetic/genomic studies into the etiology and heterogeneity of human aging, exceptional longevity, biomarker studies to predict vulnerability and biological age, and intervention studies (lifestyle, clinical) for those at risk.

Research Focus

By multi-omics, clinical and physiological approaches and data we study human ageing to understand mechanisms of ageing and longevity, generate biomarkers of vulnerability and resilience during the lifecourse and apply lifestyle interventions to promote health and understand response heterogeneity. Our large scale metabolomics studies in the Leiden Longevity Study (LLS) and GOTO intervention focus on immune-metabolic health, monitored by risk and response markers and are complemented by proteomics studies in collaboration with CECAD.

The aging process and divergence of human physiology throughout the life course means that health treatment and recommendation schedules require maximum insight into personal risks and capacities, and understanding of the biology of extremes.

Our Goals

Our goal is to understand human Ageing and Longevity and to promote healthy ageing and vitality. Our successes are exemplified by:

Metabolomics biomarkers that estimate biological age and overall vulnerability;
Novel approaches to longevity genetics studies;
Successful lifestyle interventions in older people and biomarkers that monitor their response.

To target human longevity mechanisms we perform functional genomics analysis of genetic variants identified in multi-generational families of the Leiden Longevity Study in which longevity is highly heritable. For functional follow up we use single cell systems and animal models in an MPI Fellowship in collaboration with MPI colleagues.

In large, multi-cohort projects, such as BBMRI and public private project VOILA, we generated metabolomics markers of biological age and physiological vulnerability. Complementary proteomics studies are being performed in collaboration with CECAD colleagues to extend the biomarker studies into the clinic and relate markers to kidney health in particular. Marker based risk estimations in clinical and community based cohorts are compared and Response markers based on proteomics are generated to monitor the response to lifestyle interventions.

Key Publications

van den Berg N, [..], Slagboom PE*, Beekman M*. Increasing number of long-lived ancestors marks a decade of healthspan extension and healthier metabolomics profiles. Nat Commun. 2023 Jul 27;14(1):4518. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-40245-6.
Bogaards FA, [..], Slagboom PE. PLIS: A metabolomic response monitor to a lifestyle intervention study in older adults. FASEB J. 2022 Nov;36(11):e22578. doi: 10.1096/fj.202201037R. PMID: 36183353.
Deelen J, [..], Slagboom P.E. (2019) A metabolic profile of all-cause mortality risk identified in an observational study of 44,168 individuals. Nat Comm, 2019 Aug 20;10(1):3346. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11311-9.
Partridge L, [..], Slagboom P.E. Facing up the global challenges of ageing. Nature. 2018 Sep;561(7721):45-56. doi: 10.1038/s41586-018-0457-8.
Heijmans BT, [..], Slagboom PE. Lipoprotein particle profiles mark familial and sporadic human longevity. PLoS Med. 2006;3:e495.