Development of a Model for Predicting Chronological Age Based on DNA Methylation Data from Buccal Swabs Using Ion...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Genetics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• DNA methylation analysis is a key tool in forensic science for human identification.
• Estimating age using epigenetic markers aids in forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of Ion AmpliSeq™ technology for forensic age estimation.
• To develop and compare DNA methylation-based age prediction models.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 117 buccal swab samples (ages 18-67) using a custom panel of 610 CpG sites across 12 age-related genes.
• Employed Ion AmpliSeq™ with Ion Torrent S5 sequencing.
• Developed age-prediction models using Watson-strand, Crick-strand, and combined methylation data.

Main Results:

• A final Watson-strand model utilized 5 CpG sites (C1orf132, ELOVL2, KLF14, PDE4C, TRIM59).
• Model validation showed mean absolute errors of 4.42 years (Watson), 4.75 years (Crick), and 5.08 years (WC).

Conclusions:

• Ion AmpliSeq™ technology shows promise for forensic age estimation applications.
• The developed models provide a foundation for age prediction using DNA methylation in forensic contexts.