As techniques are developed to differentiate and transdifferentiate cells from one cell type, such as a fibroblast, into another, such as a neuron, interesting patterns of effects on epigenetic age are revealed.
A study using a mouse model of premature aging showed that short-term expression of four special factors which reverse epigenetic age ameliorated cellular and physiological hallmarks of aging and prolonged lifespan.
Scientists have observed that the epigenetic clock of transplanted cells and their descendant lineages synchronize with the donor rather than the recipient, a fascinating phenomenon that offers promise for the idea of rejuvenation in humans.
Conventional health advice, such as healthy eating, physical activity, and education level are linked with slowed epigenetic aging, albeit weakly, and obesity, sleep deprivation, and smoking are linked with accelerated epigenetic aging.
In this clip, Dr. Steve Horvath discusses how epigenetic aging differs from senescence-mediated aging.
The DNAm GrimAge epigenetic clock may be a more reliable predictor of healthspan and lifespan than traditional hallmarks of aging like telomeres.
A person's epigenetic age correlates with their risk for developing major diseases of aging like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's.
The stability of methylation patterns on DNA samples means the data can be trusted more in the lab when investigating anti-aging interventions.
The GrimAge clock (named for the Grim Reaper) predicts lifespan and healthspan in units of years and tests whether potential lifestyle interventions may slow or reverse biological aging.
In this clip, Dr. Steve Horvath explains the differences between chronological age and biological age.
Sometimes a person's clinical biomarkers doesn't accurately reflect how well they are aging, but epigenetic clocks may give a more reliable insight into their aging.
Evidence indicates that the heritability of epigenetic aging is about 40 percent. This is seen in supercentenarians and their offspring, who tend to age slower than their younger counterparts.
Emerging evidence now suggests that supplemental omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D slow epigenetic aging.
In this clip, sulforaphane expert Dr. Jed Fahey describes some of the problems associated with choosing a good source of seeds for sprouting.
In this clip, Dr. Jed Fahey enumerates the vegetables in which sulforaphane is found.