During aging, DNA methylation is modified at specific CG nucleotides (CpG sites) of our genome. These modifications can be used to estimate the age of a donor. While the epigenetic age-predictions correlate very well with the chronological age, there is evicence that they rather reflect biological age. Accelerated epigenetic aging has been shown to be associated with shorter life expectancy, and it is liable to be affected by environmental exposure, gender, specific mutations, and diseases. Cygenia offers the following assays for analysis of epigenetic age:
Epigenetic-Aging-Signature for Blood
Biological age can be estimated based on DNA methylation levels at three specific CpG sides in blood samples. It is even possible to isolate genomic DNA from capillary blood by a finger-prick.
Epigenetic-Aging-Signature for Buccal Swabs
Genomic DNA can be harvested non-invasively from the inside of a person's cheek with buccal swabs. Cygenia provides new models to estimate biological age with buccal swabs.
Epigenetic Aging in Mice
Mice are often used for intervention studies to determine how treatment or specific genetic background impact biological aging. Cygenia provides a new epigenetic signature to estimate the biological age of mice.
