"Aging Clocks" Based on Cell-Free DNA.

Area of Science:

• Biogerontology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Aging involves systemic physiological and molecular changes, termed biomarkers of aging.
• Aging clocks are statistical models linking biomarkers to biological age, enabling health assessment and aging rate determination.
• Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood presents a rich source of potential aging biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cfDNA fragmentomics, topology, and epigenetics as aging biomarkers.
• To explore the potential of cfDNA analysis for developing advanced aging clocks.
• To highlight the utility of single-molecule sequencing and long-read technologies in this field.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cfDNA analysis in the context of aging.
• Detailed examination of cfDNA fragmentomics, topology, and epigenetic modifications.
• Discussion of advanced sequencing technologies for cfDNA profiling.

Main Results:

• cfDNA exhibits distinct fragmentomic, topological, and epigenetic features that correlate with biological age.
• These cfDNA characteristics serve as promising biomarkers for aging.
• Single-molecule sequencing combined with long-read technologies can profile multiple cfDNA biomarkers simultaneously.

Conclusions:

• cfDNA analysis holds significant potential for the development of precise aging clocks.
• Future research should focus on leveraging advanced sequencing techniques for comprehensive cfDNA biomarker profiling.
• This approach could revolutionize the quantitative assessment of biological aging and health.