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journal article·2026-01Open access

Proteomic Signatures Over Age Reveal Significant Changes From Infancy Till Late Adulthood

Eveline M. Delemarre, Hidde M. Smits, Debbie van Baarle, Marlies A. van Houten, Fiona R. M. van der Klis, Helen L. Leavis, Joel A. G. van Roon, Lilly M. Verhagen, Joanne G. Wildenbeest, Femke van Wijk, Julia Drylewicz, Stefan Nierkens

Advanced Biology· Volume 10· Issue 1
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Abstract

ABSTRACT Biomarkers are essential in drug development and diagnostics, aiding patient selection and disease monitoring. The lack of age‐specific protein references complicates tracking patterns related to chronic disease or treatment. This exploratory, proof‐of‐concept study explores age‐related changes in the serum proteome across the full human lifespan. Using proximity extension assays (Olink), we measured the Immuno‐oncology panel in serum from 264 healthy individuals, another panel in a subgroup of 109, all without significant disease at blood draw, aged 0 days to 88 years. Cluster analysis of the Immuno‐oncology panel revealed two clusters: cluster 1 included samples from children ≤11 days, cluster 2 encompassing samples with an age range from 2 months till 88 years old. Weighted correlation network analysis identified five protein modules, with four showing enrichment in specific pathways. The Organ‐Damage panel showed similar age‐related protein variations. Finally, we identified four protein patterns over age: constant, increasing, decreasing, or U‐shaped and defined age‐specific normal expression ranges. Altogether, our findings suggest that healthy aging across the entire lifespan involves alterations in protein expressions and distinct protein profiles exist in newborns, children, adults and older adults. We provide valuable reference data for the different protein patterns observed across the entire lifespan.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Proteomics Techniques and Applications · GDF15 and Related Biomarkers · Clusterin in disease pathology

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Center For Translational Immunology University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands

Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology Wilhelmina Children's Hospital University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands

Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention Virology and Immunology Research Group University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands

Center For Infectious Disease Control National Institute for Public Health and the Environment Bilthoven The Netherlands

Spaarne Gasthuis Academy Spaarne Gasthuis Hoofddorp The Netherlands

Department of Pediatrics Spaarne Gasthuis Haarlem and Hoofddorp The Netherlands

Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands

Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology Radboud Community for Infectious Diseases Amalia Children's Hospital Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen The Netherlands

Department of Laboratory Medicine Laboratory of Medical Immunology Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen The Netherlands

Princess Máxima Center For Pediatric Oncology Utrecht The Netherlands

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