DNA Clocks and Aging

SOURCE studyfinds.org
Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed DNA clocks that can accurately predict biological aging and the effectiveness of anti-aging treatments by distinguishing between genetic factors that accelerate or decelerate the aging process.

Key Points

  • Development of DNA clocks (CausAge, DamAge, and AdaptAge) to distinguish between factors that accelerate or decelerate aging
  • Employment of epigenome-wide Mendelian Randomization to establish causation between DNA structure and observable aging traits
  • Validation of clocks using data from different studies and cohorts

Pros

  • Accurate prediction of biological aging
  • Identification of biomarkers for aging
  • Assessment of the efficacy of aging interventions

Cons

  • Complex process requiring further research
  • Uncertainty about the effectiveness of interventions