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Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

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Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting

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Associations Between Epigenetic Age Acceleration and microRNA Expression Among U.S. Firefighters.

Alesia M Jung^1,2, Melissa A Furlong¹, Jaclyn M Goodrich³

¹Department of Community, Environment & Policy, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.

Epigenetics Insights

|November 13, 2023

Summary

Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) is linked to health outcomes. This study found specific microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with EAA, revealing potential molecular pathways for aging and related diseases.

Keywords:

age acceleration biomarkers epigenetic age epigenetic clocks firefighters miRNAs molecular epidemiology

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Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies

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Published on: May 6, 2022

Area of Science:

Epigenetics and Molecular Biology
Gerontology and Aging Research
Biomarkers and Disease Prediction

Background:

Epigenetic changes, including epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), serve as potential health biomarkers.
EAA, a difference between epigenetic and chronological age, correlates with increased morbidity and mortality.
The interplay between epigenetic clocks and microRNAs (miRNAs) in relation to health outcomes remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between various epigenetic age acceleration measures and microRNA profiles in blood.
To explore the downstream health implications of miRNAs identified as significantly associated with EAA.
To enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging and age-related diseases through epigenetic and miRNA analysis.

Main Methods:

Analysis of DNA methylation and miRNA profiles from blood samples of 332 firefighters.
Utilized seven distinct epigenetic clocks to measure EAA (PhenoAge, GrimAge, Horvath, skin-blood, Hannum, extrinsic, and intrinsic).
Employed linear regression models to identify miRNA-EAA associations, followed by miRNA enrichment analyses for downstream effects.

Main Results:

Identified 183 out of 798 miRNAs significantly associated with EAA (FDR q < 0.05).
PhenoAge showed the most individual miRNA associations (126), while GrimAge and Horvath were linked to enriched disease pathways.
Sixty-one disease annotations, including metabolic and cardiovascular conditions and cancers, were enriched among miRNAs associated with Horvath and GrimAge.

Conclusions:

Established a link between epigenetic age acceleration and specific microRNAs.
Highlighted the differential impact of various epigenetic clocks on miRNA associations and downstream health implications.
Suggests that understanding the relationship between epigenetic markers and miRNAs can advance knowledge of aging processes and related diseases.