New epigenetic clocks reinvent how we measure age

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed new epigenetic clocks to predict biological age by examining DNA methylation patterns. Published in Nature Aging, these clocks distinguish between factors that accelerate or decelerate aging, aiding in the evaluation of anti-aging interventions. By analyzing large genetic datasets and employing techniques like epigenome-wide Mendelian Randomization, they identified specific DNA sites causally linked to aging-related traits. These clocks were validated across various cohorts, showing correlation with adverse outcomes and protective changes, offering insights for aging research and intervention assessment.

The study's lead author, Kejun (Albert) Ying, designed three models: CausAge, which predicts biological age based on causal DNA factors, and DamAge and AdaptAge, which focus on damaging or protective changes respectively. Through analyzing blood samples from thousands of individuals, the researchers mapped human CpG sites that contribute to biological aging. This mapping enables the identification of biomarkers associated with aging and facilitates the evaluation of interventions aimed at promoting longevity or slowing down aging processes.

The clocks' effectiveness was tested on diverse populations, including stem cells and individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer and hypertension. Results showed that DamAge increased in conditions associated with age-related damage, while AdaptAge decreased, reflecting protective adaptations. These findings represent a significant advancement in aging research, providing a more accurate quantification of biological age and offering a means to assess the efficacy of novel anti-aging interventions.