Maria Branyas Morera’s Longevity: Insights from Her Genes and Gut Microbiome
Maria Branyas Morera’s Longevity: Insights from Her Genes and Gut Microbiome
Maria Branyas Morera lived to an astonishing 117 years of age, defying many expectations of what extreme old age looks like. Until her passing in August 2024, she was the world’s oldest living person, yet remarkably healthy – experiencing only minor ailments like hearing loss and joint pain even in her final years . Curious about what set Maria apart, scientists led by Dr. Manel Esteller (a University of Barcelona geneticist and aging expert) embarked on the most comprehensive study ever of a supercentenarian. By analyzing Maria’s genetic makeup, biological age markers, and gut microbiota, the team uncovered intriguing clues to how she avoided age-related diseases and stayed so well for so long.
Maria Branyas Morera celebrating her 117th birthday in March 2024.
Credits: Arxiu de la família Branyas Morera, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Maria herself once attributed her longevity to “luck and good genetics” . The new findings suggest she was right about the genetics. Esteller’s team described Maria’s DNA as a “privileged genome,” containing rare genetic variants associated with robust health . In fact, when researchers sequenced her whole genome and compared it to data from dozens of typical individuals, they identified seven unusual gene variants never before seen in European populations . These variants were linked to critical functions – strengthened immune response, healthy lung and heart function, resistance to cancer, and even brain maintenance . For example, Maria carried a rare variant in DSCAML1, a gene thought to help preserve cognitive function, and another in MAP4K3, which has been connected to lifespan regulation in other species . Rather than a single “longevity gene,” it was this combination of protective variants across multiple pathways – immune, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological – that likely worked together to support her exceptional lifespan .
Beyond DNA sequence, Maria’s cells showed molecular signs of aging more slowly than expected. Epigenetic clocks – biological age estimates based on DNA methylation patterns – revealed that Maria’s cells appeared about 10–17 years “younger” than her actual age . In other words, at 117 her epigenetic profile resembled that of someone around 100. “Remarkably, all the distinct algorithms of age based on DNA methylation yielded the same result,” the researchers noted . This younger biological age helps explain how her body functioned so well for so long. Yet interestingly, not all markers of aging were youthful – her telomeres (the protective chromosome tips) were almost completely worn down, as is typical for such an advanced age . The paradox of ultra-short telomeres but a younger epigenetic age underscores how complex aging is at the cellular level. Still, the epigenetic data confirmed Maria’s cells “felt” far younger than 117, supporting the idea that her genetics gave her a slower-aging physiology .
Maria’s immune system and metabolism also stood out as unusually hardy for her age. Blood tests in the last year of her life showed she had exceptionally healthy cholesterol and lipid levels – very low “bad” VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and very high “good” HDL cholesterol . Such a profile is rare even in younger adults and is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia . Indeed, Dr. Esteller noted that “one of the most efficient lipid metabolisms reported so far” was a defining feature of her biology, a trait tied to both long lifespan and preserved cognitive function . She also had no signs of high blood sugar or insulin issues, avoiding diabetes and obesity . Additionally, analysis of her cells’ energy factories – the mitochondria – showed they functioned better than those of women decades younger , providing her cells ample energy. Markers of chronic inflammation in her blood were low as well; for instance, she had low levels of certain inflammatory glycoproteins, indicating an immune profile skewed toward minimal systemic inflammation . This anti-inflammatory status likely protected her from the “inflammaging” that drives many age-related illnesses.
Despite her age, Maria’s immune cell composition resembled that seen in other vigorous super-elders. The team used single-cell sequencing to map her immune cells and found an unusual abundance of cytotoxic T cells (killer T cells) relative to other cell types . These T cells are adept at eliminating virus-infected and cancerous cells, and previous studies have observed that supercentenarians often have expanded populations of cytotoxic immune cells, potentially guarding them against lethal illnesses . Maria also showed a high count of certain “age-associated B cells” – typically linked to autoimmunity in the elderly – yet tellingly, she suffered no autoimmune disorders . Her immune system seems to have achieved a delicate balance: retaining potent defenses while avoiding self-directed harm. This mirrors findings in other centenarian research suggesting that a resilient immune system is a hallmark of healthy aging .
One of the most striking findings was in Maria’s gut. Her intestinal microbiota resembled that of a young person – even an infant – rather than an elderly woman . When Dr. Xavier Aldeguer’s team analyzed Maria’s stool samples, they discovered an abundance of Bifidobacterium bacteria and an overall high diversity of gut microbes, both signs of a healthy, “youthful” microbiome . Bifidobacteria are typically prevalent in babies’ guts and tend to decline dramatically in old age, but Maria’s levels were more akin to those seen in children . These beneficial bacteria are known to produce anti-inflammatory compounds and support gut health. Indeed, the study authors noted that Maria’s microbiome profile is linked to better control of inflammation, as well as improved cognition, bone strength, and muscle health . In other words, her gut bugs likely helped keep her body young. Dr. Aldeguer described this finding as “one of the most striking” in the study – it suggests that maintaining an infant-like gut flora might be one secret to extreme longevity .
Maria’s lifestyle choices no doubt nurtured this extraordinary microbiome and amplified her genetic advantages. For the 20 years she lived in a nursing home in Olot, Spain, she adhered to a Mediterranean diet and famously ate three yogurts every day, providing a regular source of probiotics . “Fermented foods like yogurt contain probiotics that can replenish and maintain the gut microbiome,” Dr. Esteller noted when discussing Maria’s case . Combined with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, this likely created a gut environment where beneficial microbes thrived. Maria also avoided alcohol and smoking, took daily walks, and stayed mentally and socially active by constantly engaging with family and friends . These habits – which align with many gerontologists’ advice – likely reduced stress and chronic inflammation in her body. In short, Maria lived the longevity lifestyle that many preach: nutritious diet, physical activity, strong social bonds, and avoiding toxins. This allowed her to capitalize on her lucky genetic hand. As Dr. Esteller’s team observed, her healthy choices helped her “take advantage of her unique genetic makeup”, staving off physical and mental decline .
The take-home message from this landmark case is an encouraging one: aging and disease are not inextricably bound together. Maria Branyas Morera demonstrated that it is possible to reach extreme age without the heavy burden of age-related diseases. “This study reinforces the idea that ageing and disease can, under certain conditions, be decoupled,” Dr. Esteller said . Well into her second century, Maria remained lucid and relatively independent; she truly decoupled chronological age from biological healthspan. Her cells behaved like those of someone years younger, and the ailments she faced were remarkably few . Such findings challenge the perception that getting older must inevitably mean getting sicker . Of course, reaching 110+ is exceedingly rare, and researchers caution that verified supercentenarians like Maria are exceptional. (Her age was rigorously documented and recognized by Guinness World Records , giving confidence that her 117 years were real – something not all purported super-elders can claim.) Still, her case provides a proof of concept that extreme longevity with health is biologically attainable, even if uncommon.
From a scientific standpoint, studying Maria’s unique biology is already opening new avenues. If a “combination of many small genetic advantages” allowed her to escape diseases of aging , researchers wonder if future therapies could safely mimic those advantages in others. For instance, could we develop drugs or nutritional interventions that boost beneficial gut bacteria (like Bifidobacterium) or promote the anti-inflammatory metabolites they produce? Encouragingly, other research on centenarians supports this idea: a 2021 study in Nature found that people over 100 often harbor gut microbes that make special bile acids which help fend off infections and inflammation . Efforts are under way to see if such microbial compounds could be harnessed to improve health in the elderly. Likewise, Maria’s stellar cholesterol profile and metabolism suggest that targeting lipid metabolism might preserve heart and brain health – an insight echoing earlier findings that certain cholesterol-related gene variants (for example, in APOE and CETP) are enriched in centenarian populations and linked to longevity . Her robust immune makeup, with abundant killer T cells, raises the question of whether bolstering the immune system (or preventing its age-related decline) could increase our chances of healthy aging . Dr. Esteller has even mused that knowing these factors, “maybe we can think about interventions now,” such as drugs to tweak the epigenetic clock or immune function to extend healthspan . Maria’s genome is being pored over for more clues, but one clear outcome from the study is a benchmark for extreme longevity: it provides a multi-omic “blueprint” of what one exceptionally long-lived, disease-free human looks like at the molecular level .
Equally important is what Maria’s life can teach a longevity-focused community on a human level. Her attitude and experiences remind us that longevity is about more than just genes and cells – it’s also about mindset and resilience. Maria lived through two world wars, a civil war, two global pandemics (1918 influenza and COVID-19), and massive societal changes . Yet she approached life with calm and optimism. When asked at 112 about her secrets, she emphasized “order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets…” – a remarkably holistic recipe for well-being. In fact, when she met the scientists who wanted to study her, this humble supercentenarian quipped, “I’m studying myself,” fully aware that her body carried invaluable data for understanding aging . She willingly contributed her samples for the greater good, turning her longevity into a legacy of scientific knowledge. The warm collaboration between Maria and the researchers exemplifies how longevity science is a partnership across generations: the oldest among us have much to teach about living long, and it’s our task to listen and learn.
In the end, the story of Maria Branyas Morera offers hope and insight. It shows that extreme longevity with health, while rare, is biologically possible – and it can arise from a fortuitous mix of good genes, a nurturing lifestyle, and perhaps a dash of luck. For longevity enthusiasts and scientists, Maria’s case is both inspiring and instructive. It suggests that by studying outliers like her, we can uncover factors that keep aging at bay and apply those lessons to improve everyone’s chances of a longer, healthier life. As Dr. Esteller’s team wrote, “the picture that emerges from our study shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked” . Maria’s life is a testament to that truth. Her enduring vitality – from her youthful gut to her resilient cells – will continue to guide researchers in unraveling the mysteries of aging, with the heartfelt hope that many more of us might follow in her extraordinary footsteps .