Epigenetic Age
Definition
Epigenetic age is an estimate of biological age based on DNA methylation patterns at specific sites across the genome. It is usually calculated using statistical models often called epigenetic clocks, which relate methylation patterns to age-related outcomes or age itself. [1] [2] [6]
Why It Matters in Ageing Research
Epigenetic age matters because it gives researchers a way to study ageing-related change without waiting decades for lifespan outcomes. These estimates are widely used in biomarker research, but different clocks are built for different purposes, so epigenetic age should not be treated as one single universal measure. [2] [8] [9]
Common Confusion
- Epigenetic age is not identical to biological age as a whole; it is one way of estimating it.
- Different epigenetic clocks are not interchangeable.
- A higher or lower epigenetic age estimate is not a diagnosis by itself.
Related Reading
References
- Horvath, S. (2013). DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types. https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2013-14-10-r115
- Levine, M. E., et al. (2018). An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101414
- Horvath, S., & Raj, K. (2018). DNA methylation-based biomarkers and the epigenetic clock theory of ageing. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-018-0004-3
- Lu, A. T., et al. (2019). DNA methylation GrimAge strongly predicts lifespan and healthspan. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101800
- Lu, A. T., et al. (2022). PhenoAge and GrimAge clock associations with mortality and age-related diseases in 11 cohorts. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-34851-3
This glossary entry is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.