Biological aging has long been a complex topic, with scientists using “epigenetic clocks” to measure it. However, the mechanisms behind these clocks are not fully understood. A new study has uncovered a clue that sheds light on this topic.
Research suggests that epigenetic changes, which do not directly alter DNA’s underlying code, play a significant role in aging. These changes, also known as “epigenetics,” switch genes on or off or turn their volume up or down. The pattern of epigenetic markers on DNA changes in predictable ways as we age.
The study found that gene mutations and epigenetic changes are highly correlated. Mutations, which accumulate in the DNA of cells over time, can lead to changes in methylation, a common mode of epigenetics. This process can spark chemical reactions that destabilize the DNA, making it more likely to mutate later on.
The researchers built clocks based on these patterns of genetic and epigenetic change, respectively. Both clocks made similar predictions of age, suggesting a possible link between the two.
However, scientists still have much to learn about the relationship between DNA mutations and epigenetic changes. The study’s findings need to be replicated in individuals without cancer and observed over time to fully understand their significance.
The discovery highlights the importance of further research into the mechanisms behind aging. By understanding how epigenetic clocks tick, scientists may be able to shed new light on what makes us age.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/ageing/biological-aging-may-not-be-driven-by-what-we-thought