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Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in elephants.

Natalia A Prado1,2, Janine L Brown1, Joseph A Zoller3

  • 1Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA.

Aging Cell
|June 12, 2021
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Summary

Scientists developed new epigenetic clocks to accurately determine the age of African and Asian elephants. These DNA methylation biomarkers can aid in elephant conservation by providing precise age estimates for population studies.

Keywords:
DNA methylationagingdevelopmentelephantepigenetic clock

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Mammalian Biology
  • Conservation Science

Background:

  • Epigenetic clocks, based on DNA methylation, are accurate age biomarkers in various species.
  • Developing such clocks for elephants is crucial for conservation and understanding aging in large mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create and validate epigenetic clocks for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana).
  • To identify age-related DNA methylation sites and associated genes in elephants.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed DNA methylation profiles from 140 blood samples of known-age elephants using a custom Infinium array.
  • Developed species-specific and combined elephant epigenetic clocks, including human-elephant cross-species clocks.
  • Conducted epigenome-wide association studies to find age-related CpGs and genes.

Main Results:

  • Successfully developed accurate epigenetic clocks for both Asian and African elephants.
  • Identified age-related CpGs and genes involved in development, metabolism, and circadian rhythms.
  • Observed age-related changes in methylation of bivalent chromatin domains and polycomb targets.

Conclusions:

  • Novel epigenetic clocks provide reliable age estimation for elephants.
  • These tools can significantly support elephant conservation by improving demographic analysis.
  • The identified genes offer insights into the molecular mechanisms of aging in elephants.