DNA methylation clocks for dogs and humans

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and aging research
• Comparative genomics and biomarker development

Background:

• Epigenetic clocks, based on DNA methylation, accurately predict chronological age and biological age in humans.
• The principles of epigenetic aging appear evolutionarily conserved across mammalian species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop reliable and accurate epigenetic clocks for domestic dogs across 93 breeds.
• To estimate canine age and average time to death using DNA methylation profiles.
• To create dual-species (human-dog) epigenetic clocks for translational anti-aging research.

Main Methods:

• Generated DNA methylation profiles from dogs using the conserved mammalian methylation array.
• Constructed canine-specific epigenetic clocks to predict age and mortality.
• Developed human-dog dual-species clocks and performed epigenome-wide association studies.

Main Results:

• Developed highly accurate canine epigenetic clocks applicable to 93 breeds.
• Created two dual-species human-dog epigenetic clocks with high correlation (R = 0.97).
• Identified specific methylation sites associated with the inverse relationship between breed weight and lifespan.

Conclusions:

• Established robust epigenetic biomarkers for measuring aging and health status in canines.
• Dual-species clocks facilitate the translation of anti-aging interventions between humans and dogs.
• Findings contribute to understanding conserved aging mechanisms and developing canine-specific longevity research.