Development of a forensically useful age prediction method based on DNA methylation analysis.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Genetics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Forensic DNA phenotyping requires age prediction for comprehensive human appearance profiling.
• Advances in methylome analysis identify age-correlated DNA methylation loci.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate DNA methylation markers for accurate age prediction in forensic science.
• To develop and test a robust age prediction model using selected CpG sites.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed eight DNA methylation candidate loci across 41 CpG sites in 420 individuals (ages 2-75).
• Utilized pyrosequencing technology for reliable and convenient analysis.
• Developed a prediction model using the five most significant CpG sites (ELOVL2, C1orf132, TRIM59, KLF14, FHL2).

Main Results:

• Confirmed age correlation for all investigated markers.
• The prediction model achieved R(2)=0.94 and a standard error of 4.5 years on a discovery set.
• Independent testing showed a mean absolute deviation of 3.9 years, with 86.7% accuracy within ±5 years for ages 2-19.

Conclusions:

• The developed DNA methylation-based age prediction model is accurate and reliable for forensic applications.
• The model demonstrates high predictive power, especially for younger age categories.
• A freely available online calculator was created to implement the developed age prediction method.