Mixed
DNA methylation clocks are highly accurate molecular correlates of chronological age in humans and vertebrates, but their ability to quantify biological aging rates and test longevity interventions is currently limited by challenges in distinguishing chronological from biological components and understanding underlying mechanisms.
DNA methylation clocks are currently best used as precise tools for estimating chronological age, particularly in forensic or large-scale epidemiological contexts. Their use for evaluating anti-aging interventions is still experimental and requires specialized, tissue-specific clocks rather than general 'pan-tissue' clocks. Individuals should not rely on current commercial epigenetic age tests for making definitive health decisions regarding longevity interventions, as the scientific community acknowledges significant unresolved challenges in distinguishing true biological aging from chronological age effects.
Epigenetic clocks comprise a set of CpG sites whose DNA methylation levels measure subject age. These clocks are acknowledged as a highly accurate molecular correlate of chronological age in humans and other vertebrates. Also, extensive research is aimed at their potential to quantify biological aging rates and test longevity or rejuvenating interventions. Here, we discuss key challenges to understand clock mechanisms and biomarker utility.
Why this rating
The paper is a consensus review by leading experts, synthesizing extensive existing literature, though it highlights areas of uncertainty rather than providing new primary data.
Source
DNA methylation aging clocks: challenges and recommendations
Christopher G. Bell et al. · Genome biology · 2019
DOI 10.1186/s13059-019-1824-y
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