Abstract
AbstractEpigenetic clocks comprise a set of CpG sites whose DNA methylation levels measure subject age. These clocks are acknowledged as a highly accurate molecular correlate of chronological age in humans and other vertebrates. Also, extensive research is aimed at their potential to quantify biological aging rates and test longevity or rejuvenating interventions. Here, we discuss key challenges to understand clock mechanisms and biomarker utility. This requires dissecting the drivers and regulators of age-related changes in single-cell, tissue- and disease-specific models, as well as exploring other epigenomic marks, longitudinal and diverse population studies, and non-human models. We also highlight important ethical issues in forensic age determination and predicting the trajectory of biological aging in an individual.
Funder
National Institute on Aging
National Cancer Institute
Glenn/AFAR
National Institutes of Health
National Institute for Health Research
UCLH Biomedical Research Centre
Economic and Social Research Council
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Nederlandse Hartstichting
Joint Programming Initiative A healthy diet for a healthy life
BBMRI-NL
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
AACR
Alzheimer’s Research UK
Medical Research Council
Cancer Research UK
National Science Foundation of China
Royal Society Newton Advanced Fellowship
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, RWTH Aachen University
Deutsche Krebshilfe
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC