Are there any changes with DNA methylation with age?
Posted January 3, 2024
Answer
Age is directly linked to changes in DNA methylation.
During the course of life, biochemical changes to the DNA are induced by a combination of environmental influences, aging-related processes, and certain lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking. One of the changes is DNA methylation, a process that involves the addition of methyl groups to specific DNA segments, without altering the DNA sequence.
Although the exact mechanisms that cause age-related DNA methylation changes are not yet fully understood, DNA methylation is currently the most promising molecular marker for monitoring aging and developing age predictors.
Additional resources
The Role of DNA Methylation in Aging, Rejuvenation, and Age-Related Disease