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Updated: Jul 12, 2025
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Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
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Epigenetic Clocks: In Aging-Related and Complex Diseases
Katia Margiotti1, Francesca Monaco1, Marco Fabiani1
1ALTAMEDICA, Human Genetics Lab, Rome, Italy.
Cytogenetic and Genome Research
|October 29, 2023
Summary
Epigenetic clocks, which measure biological age via DNA methylation, are linked to complex diseases and mortality. Research explores these clocks as biomarkers for conditions like obesity and diabetes, aiding early diagnosis and health promotion.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Gerontology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- DNA methylation and epigenetic clocks are associated with complex diseases and mortality.
- Several epigenetic clocks (e.g., Horvath, Hannum, DNA PhenoAge, DNA GrimAge, Dunedin Pace of Aging) are under development.
- These clocks show potential as biomarkers for age-related chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature up to January 2023 on age acceleration measures and complex diseases.
- To focus on research linking epigenetic clocks to chronic conditions.
- To highlight the role of epigenetic clocks in understanding disease development and health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of studies investigating epigenetic clocks and age acceleration.
- Focus on research associating epigenetic clocks with specific diseases.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic age acceleration is linked to increased risk of complex and age-related diseases.
- Epigenetic clocks show promise as biomarkers for obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
- The reviewed literature underscores the association between epigenetic measures and disease pathology.
Conclusions:
- Understanding epigenetic clock-disease interactions can improve early diagnosis and health promotion strategies.
- Accelerated epigenetic aging is a significant factor in chronic disease development.
- Further research into epigenetic clocks may lead to novel therapeutic interventions for age-related diseases.
Keywords:
Age accelerationAge-related diseaseChronological ageComplex diseaseDNA methylationEpigenetic clockMore Related Videos
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