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Related Experiment Videos

An epigenetic aging clock for dogs and wolves.

Michael J Thompson1, Bridgett vonHoldt2, Steve Horvath3

  • 1Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.

Aging
|April 5, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed accurate epigenetic aging clocks using DNA methylation data from dogs and wolves. These findings suggest conserved mechanisms of aging across mammals, paving the way for new age estimation methods in canids.

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Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Comparative genomics
  • Mammalian aging

Background:

  • Human DNA methylation data has enabled accurate age estimation.
  • Epigenetic aging clocks in canids (dogs and wolves) are not yet established.
  • DNA methylation patterns are crucial biomarkers for biological aging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the feasibility of developing epigenetic aging clocks using blood DNA methylation data in canids.
  • To identify specific DNA methylation sites (CpGs) associated with chronological age in dogs and wolves.
  • To explore conserved aging mechanisms between canids and humans.

Main Methods:

  • Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) was used to analyze blood DNA methylation.
  • Multivariate regression models were employed to correlate CpG methylation levels with chronological age.
Keywords:
DNA methylationbiological agecaninedogepigenetic clockwolf

Related Experiment Videos

  • Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to understand the functional implications of age-related methylation changes.

    • Main Results:

    • Highly accurate age estimation models were developed for dogs (41 CpGs), wolves (67 CpGs), and a combined cohort (115 CpGs).
    • Age-related DNA methylation changes in canids involved similar gene ontology categories as observed in humans.
    • The study identified specific CpGs predictive of age in both species.

    Conclusions:

    • Epigenetic aging clocks can be successfully developed for canids using blood DNA methylation data.
    • The findings suggest an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of age-related DNA methylation in mammals.
    • This research provides a foundation for non-invasive age estimation in dogs and wolves and insights into mammalian aging processes.