Exploring the Plasma Proteome: Identifying Hub Proteins linking Aging, Homeostasis, and Organ Function

As effectors of interactions between genes and the environment, plasma proteins can monitor homeostasis and reflect the aging state of an organism. However, biomarkers of aging that are associated with homeostasis are still unclear. This study investigates the phenotype-related plasma proteome profiles of healthy individuals and to identify proteins that are specifically related to aging and physiological indices and their expression patterns across the lifespan. From September 2020 to March 2021, 71 participants aged over 20 to 100 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed from April 2021 to December 2023. The plasma proteome was analyzed to identify proteins that are specifically related to aging and their expression patterns across the lifespan. Then, hub proteins were screened through correlation of aging proteins with physiological and biochemical phenotypes. Based on levels of plasma proteins, physiological indices are associated with age. Additionally, these differences in protein expression correlate with age and physiological indices. Finally, we identified 20 hub proteins that correlate with both physiological indices and age, and these proteins are involved in oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolism. Bibliometric analysis confirmed that 8 hub proteins (CD44, CD14, IGF2, CFD, LBP, IGFBP3, EFEMP1, and AHSG) associated with age affect organ function by mediating homeostasis. Plasma proteins associated with both age and physiological indices are involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolism. This is the first investigation to link aging and homeostasis based on plasma proteins.