Epigenetic Clocks Do Not Only Measure Epigenetic Drift
Epigenetic clocks, which are generated from DNA methylation data at various ages, have raised questions about what exactly they measure. The mechanistic links between specific epigenetic marks and aging states are not fully understood. While epigenetic drift does contribute to these clocks, it is not the whole story.
Changes in DNA methylation with age are observed across different organisms, leading to the development of epigenetic clocks that can predict age accurately. However, the underlying processes producing these clock signals are not fully resolved, limiting their interpretability.
This study introduces a computational approach to investigate the variability in DNA methylation patterns with age. The findings suggest a link between DNA methylation disorder and epigenetic clocks, leading to the development of epigenetic clocks based on regional disorder. These clocks demonstrate a fundamental decoupling of epigenetic aging processes.
