From: DNA methylation aging clocks: challenges and recommendations
Challenges and recommendations | |
1. Delineation of the chronological and biological components of DNA methylation clocks | |
• Quantify the accuracy and robustness of “forensic” age estimates from different DNA sources | |
• Isolate pan-tissue “biological” aging changes for novel insights into aging | |
2. Functional characterization of tissue-specific and disease-specific clocks | |
• Refine tissue- and disease-specific clocks for disease-specific measures | |
• Deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of specific age-related diseases | |
• All published clock algorithms should be transparent and publicly available | |
3. Integration of epigenetics into large and diverse longitudinal population studies | |
• For predictive biomarkers of clinical utility | |
• Understand the cause and consequences of clock measures and any rate change on aging-related disease and longevity | |
4. Genome-wide analyses of aging and exploration of additional epigenomic marks | |
• Identity novel and potentially more sensitive chronological or disease-specific clock-like mechanisms | |
5. Single-cell analysis of aging changes and disease | |
• Explore functionality of clock-like and other aging-related epigenetic changes | |
• Define the components of tissue-specific changes | |
6. Generation of robust non-human data of aging | |
• Explore fundamental biology of aging using DNA methylation clocks in model organisms | |
• Expand and standardize the application of DNA methylation clocks to test longevity interventions in mice | |
7. Inclusion of epigenetics within current genetic ethical and legal frameworks | |
• To educate and protect the public from misinformation and misuse |