A new epigenetic clock based on the analysis of easily collected cheek cells or blood samples has been developed to predict mortality risk. This test, known as CheekAge, aims to assess biological aging through DNA analysis, potentially providing insights into life expectancy. Researchers have found that CheekAge can accurately predict mortality risk using both cheek and blood samples, indicating that similar biological aging markers are present in different tissues. The findings from this study were published in the journal Frontiers in Aging.
Understanding Biological Age and Epigenetic Clocks
The CheekAge epigenetic clock relies on a phenomenon known as DNA methylation. This process involves the addition of chemical tags to DNA, which can influence the activity of genes by turning them on or off. These modifications serve as markers of biological age, reflecting the actual age of cells rather than chronological age. The distinction is important because biological age can differ from chronological age based on various lifestyle factors and health conditions.
Traditional epigenetic clocks typically require blood samples for analysis. However, the CheekAge test was designed to work with easily collected cheek cells, making it more accessible for widespread use. This advancement could facilitate routine screenings and health assessments in clinical settings or at home.
Research Methodology and Findings
The study is significant for demonstrating that CheekAge effectively predicts mortality risk, even when applied to data from blood samples. Researchers tested their algorithm on blood samples from 1,513 participants in the Lothian Birth Cohorts, a long-term Scottish study that has tracked the health and development of individuals born in 1921 and 1936. The Lothian Birth Cohorts provide a valuable dataset for examining aging and health outcomes over an extended period.
In the analysis, nearly half of the DNA markers from the CheekAge test were absent in the blood samples. Despite this, the algorithm still showed a strong correlation with mortality risk, suggesting that the biological aging markers identified by the CheekAge test are applicable across different types of tissue.
For each standard deviation increase in the difference between a person’s biological age and their chronological age, the risk of death increased by 21%. Participants classified with the oldest biological ages exhibited a mortality rate of approximately 50% roughly 7.8 years earlier than those with the youngest biological ages. Notably, CheekAge was found to be more accurate than several established epigenetic clocks, highlighting its potential utility in clinical practice.
Key DNA Markers in Mortality Prediction
The research also identified specific DNA markers that significantly contribute to predicting mortality risk. Among these markers was one associated with the ALPK2 gene, which plays a role in heart development and may also be involved in certain cancers. The study revealed that when this particular marker was excluded from the analysis, the predictive capability of the CheekAge test decreased substantially.
Dr. Maxim Shokhirev, the lead author of the study, emphasized the implications of their findings: “The fact that our epigenetic test, designed for cheek cells, can predict mortality using blood cells shows that there are common mortality signals across different tissues.” This finding supports the idea that a simple cheek swab could serve as a valuable tool for assessing biological aging and monitoring health over time.
Limitations and Future Directions
While CheekAge presents promising insights into biological aging and mortality risk, it is crucial to understand that the predictions made by this test are probabilistic and do not guarantee specific outcomes. An advanced biological age does not necessarily imply a certain risk of death, just as a younger biological age does not ensure longevity.
Further research is needed to validate these findings in diverse populations and explore the potential applications of the CheekAge test in clinical settings. By refining the understanding of biological aging, researchers aim to develop better health monitoring tools that can assist individuals in managing their health proactively.
References
Shokhirev, M. N., Kramer, D. J., Corley, J., Cox, S. R., Cuellar, T. L., & Johnson, A. A. (2024). CheekAge, a next-generation epigenetic buccal clock, is predictive of mortality in human blood. Frontiers in Aging, 5, Article 1460360. https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2024.1460360
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