Transposable element expression with variation in sex chromosome number supports a toxic Y effect on human longevity

Abstract

AbstractLifespan differences between sexes is a puzzling question in human and evolutionary biology. Sex chromosomes have been proposed to play a central role, and the Y male chromosome has been suspected of having a toxic genomic impact in this trait. As Y chromosomes are typically enriched in transposable elements (TE), this hypothesis suggests that in aged individuals, in whom TE are less repressed, an increase in somatic mutations and acceleration of the aging process will be observed. Using an unprecedented expression dataset from humans with atypical karyotypes, we show an increased TE expression related to the Y chromosome. These findings complement previous reports showing that the 47,XYY human population displays a shorter lifespan, and support the existence of a toxic Y effect on men lifespan.