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Centenarian clocks: epigenetic clocks for validating claims of exceptional longevity
Eric Dec1, James Clement2,3, Kaiyang Cheng4
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA. dr.eric.dec@gmail.com.
Geroscience
|March 25, 2023
Summary
New epigenetic clocks, based on DNA methylation, can verify age claims for centenarians. These biological age estimators provide credible evidence for exceptional longevity claims.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Gerontology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Exceptional longevity claims often lack robust verification.
- DNA methylation patterns offer potential biomarkers for biological age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks for verifying age claims of centenarians.
- To assess the accuracy of these clocks in individuals aged 105 and 110+.
Main Methods:
- Development of three centenarian epigenetic clocks using blood and saliva samples from over 7000 individuals.
- Application of a neural network model for the most accurate clock.
- Epigenome-wide association studies and chromatin state analysis.
Main Results:
- The study successfully developed three DNA methylation-based age estimators for centenarians.
- The most accurate clock utilized a neural network model.
- Age effects in young and old individuals showed significant correlation (r=0.55).
Conclusions:
- The developed centenarian clocks are valuable tools for validating claims of exceptional old age.
- Epigenetic clocks provide a scientific basis for verifying extreme longevity.
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