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MskAge-An Epigenetic Biomarker of Musculoskeletal Age Derived From a Genetic Algorithm Islands Model
Daniel C Green1,2, Louise N Reynard2,3, James R Henstock1,2
1Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Aging Cell
|June 20, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed MskAge, a novel epigenetic clock for musculoskeletal tissues. This tool accurately measures biological age in muscles and bones, improving upon existing methods for ageing research.
Area of Science:
- Biogerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Musculoskeletal system aging is a significant health concern.
- Existing epigenetic clocks lack accuracy in musculoskeletal tissues.
- Biomarkers are needed to study musculoskeletal aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a precise epigenetic clock for musculoskeletal tissues.
- Improve the study of biological aging in the musculoskeletal system.
- Create a reliable tool for musculoskeletal and aging biologists.
Main Methods:
- Developed MskAge using a penalized genetic algorithm islands model.
- Addressed multi-tissue clock bias to enhance accuracy.
- Trained the final model on transformed principal components of CpGs.
Main Results:
- MskAge accurately tracks epigenetic aging in musculoskeletal tissues, both ex vivo and in vitro.
- Epigenetic age estimates were rejuvenated by cellular reprogramming.
- MskAge showed higher accuracy than skin and blood clocks for fibroblast aging.
Conclusions:
- MskAge is a highly accurate and specific epigenetic clock for musculoskeletal aging research.
- Its precision and ability to capture aging perturbations make it a valuable tool.
- MskAge advances the study of biological aging in musculoskeletal tissues.
