CheekAge, an Epigenetic Clock Derived from Buccal Swab Data
Recent research has introduced CheekAge, an innovative epigenetic clock based on DNA methylation data obtained from buccal swabs. Unlike traditional clocks that use blood samples and immune cells, CheekAge offers a promising alternative with more accurate aging predictions. This next-generation clock has been developed and tested using a large dataset of adult buccal samples, showing correlations with various health indicators. Furthermore, applying CheekAge to predict mortality in longitudinal studies has demonstrated its superior performance compared to previous clocks. This groundbreaking approach highlights the potential of buccal tissue as a valuable source of aging biomarkers.
This study represents a significant advancement in the field, showcasing the utility of an aging biomarker specifically optimized for buccal tissue. By applying CheekAge to blood samples for mortality prediction, researchers have achieved remarkable results that surpass older clocks and even compete with next-generation models. The ability to accurately predict mortality using buccal methylation data opens up new possibilities for non-invasive aging research. The findings point to the ease and effectiveness of collecting buccal tissue as a valuable resource for understanding the aging process.
Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2024.1460360
