DunedinPACE Measurement is a sophisticated epigenetic biomarker used to quantify the pace of biological aging in an individual, providing a dynamic assessment of their current rate of decline rather than just their accumulated age-related damage. This measure is derived from analyzing specific patterns of DNA methylation across the genome, offering a clinical metric that correlates strongly with future morbidity and mortality risk. It provides a more actionable insight than traditional static biological clocks, allowing for timely lifestyle or therapeutic intervention. The metric is expressed as years of biological aging accrued per calendar year.
Origin
The DunedinPACE measure was developed by researchers from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a longitudinal cohort study based in Dunedin, New Zealand. The necessity for a dynamic measure of aging pace arose from the limitations of earlier “epigenetic clocks” that only estimated biological age at a single point in time. This novel metric shifts the clinical focus from simply knowing one’s current biological age to understanding the trajectory of future healthspan, enabling a proactive approach to longevity.
Mechanism
The mechanism is based on the phenomenon of DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification where methyl groups are added to cytosine bases, altering gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. The DunedinPACE algorithm analyzes the methylation status of a specific, carefully selected set of CpG sites that collectively reflect the activity of key physiological systems involved in aging, such as metabolism, immune function, and organ integrity. Changes in these methylation patterns are interpreted as a direct readout of the body’s systemic response to environmental and genetic factors, providing a measure of the velocity of the aging process.
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