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Updated: Aug 13, 2025
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Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies
Published on: May 6, 2022
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Mortality Associations With DNA Methylation-Based Biological Aging and Physical Functioning Measures Across a 20-Year
Tiina Föhr1, Katja Waller2, Anne Viljanen1
1Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Gerontology Research Center (GEREC), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Summary
DNA methylation (DNAm) GrimAge and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test are strong predictors of mortality. These biological aging measures are independent of genetic influences and complement each other in predicting mortality.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epigenetics
- Biomarkers of Aging
Background:
- Biological aging can be assessed using DNA methylation (DNAm) or physical functioning measures.
- Comparing these measures in predicting mortality is crucial for understanding aging processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare DNA methylation (DNAm)-based and physical functioning-based measures of biological aging in predicting mortality.
- To determine if these measures are independent predictors of mortality.
Main Methods:
- Studied 395 women aged 63-76 from the Finnish Twin Study on Aging (FITSA).
- Estimated biological age using DNAm (GrimAge, DunedinPACE) and physical tests (Timed Up and Go, 10-m walk).
- Used Cox regression models, adjusting for lifestyle factors and controlling for genetic effects in twin pairs.
Main Results:
- 187 participants died during a mean 17.0-year follow-up.
- DNAm GrimAge and both functional biomarkers predicted mortality independently of covariates and genetic influences.
- In a combined model, GrimAge and TUG remained significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- DNA methylation GrimAge and the Timed Up and Go test are robust, independent predictors of mortality.
- DNAm and functional tests capture distinct aspects of aging, complementing each other for mortality prediction.
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