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A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

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Published on: October 27, 2015

Improving the age estimation model for toenails.

Kristina Fokias¹, Lotte Dierckx¹, Wim Van de Voorde²

¹KU Leuven, Forensic Biomedical Sciences, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Leuven, Belgium.

Forensic Science International. Genetics

|July 16, 2023

Summary

Chronological age can now be estimated using DNA methylation patterns in fingernails and toenails. This improved method enhances accuracy for age prediction, even in post-mortem cases.

Keywords:

Age prediction DNA methylation Forensic

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Area of Science:

Forensic Science
Epigenetics
Molecular Biology

Background:

Previous research established DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns in nails for chronological age estimation.
Initial models using 15 CpGs in 4 genetic markers showed a Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of 7.68-9.36 years.

Purpose of the Study:

To improve the accuracy of DNAm-based age estimation using toenail samples.
To evaluate the efficacy of three additional age-associated markers (KLF14, MIR29B2CHG, TRIM59).

Main Methods:

DNA methylation data from CpGs in ASPA, EDARADD, ELOVL2, PDE4C, KLF14, MIR29B2CHG, and TRIM59 were analyzed.
Variable selection and model building were employed to refine age prediction.
The improved model was tested on training and test sets, including post-mortem samples.

Main Results:

The enhanced age estimation assay achieved an MAD of 4.82 years for the training set and 5.61 years for the test set.
The study demonstrated the feasibility of using this method for post-mortem age estimation.

Conclusions:

The refined DNA methylation assay significantly improves chronological age prediction accuracy from toenails.
This method shows promise for forensic applications, including age determination in deceased individuals.