DNA Methylation Clocks Analysis is an advanced epigenetic testing method that precisely utilizes specific patterns of cytosine methylation across the human genome to calculate an individual’s biological age, commonly referred to as epigenetic age. This analysis offers a highly dynamic and significantly more accurate measure of physiological decline and mortality risk compared to chronological age alone. Understanding the output of this biological clock is fundamental for accurately assessing the cumulative impact of lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental factors on the aging process.
Origin
This revolutionary concept was pioneered by researchers like Steve Horvath, who developed the first robust pan-tissue epigenetic clock by identifying specific CpG sites whose methylation status correlates strongly with chronological age. It is a direct and powerful product of the field of epigenetics, the study of heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in the underlying DNA sequence.
Mechanism
The analysis quantifies the percentage of methylation at a defined set of specific DNA regions, known as CpG sites, which are empirically known to change predictably with the passage of time. These specific sites function as an intrinsic biological timer, reflecting the cumulative wear and tear and regulatory drift on the genome. Deviations between the calculated epigenetic age and the chronological age indicate either accelerated or decelerated biological aging, offering a precise metric for personalized longevity interventions.
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