Mice are often used as a model system to elucidate how aging is affected by genetic factors, diet, knockout of specific genes, or other interventions. Such research provides insight into how aging can be modulated. To this end, it is important to have a reliable and quantitative measure for the state of aging.
Epigenetic age-predictions in mice
Aging is associated with highly reproducible DNA-methylation changes at specific sites in the genome (so-called CpG sites). Such age-associated epigenetic modifications were first described in humans and they occur also in other mammals. We designed and validated an epigenetic age predictor for blood samples of mice. It is based on three relevant CpG sites in the genes . For C57BL6 mice the correlation of these age-predictions with real chronological age was R2 = 0.93. For DBA mice, which have a shorter life expectancy, age predictions are correspondingly higher and hence the model can be adjusted for this mouse strain. Our three-CpG-predictor provides a reliable biomarker to determine biological age in large intervention studies with mice.
Comparison with other assays
In comparison to the analysis of life-length, the results of epigenetic age predictions are rapidly available. Other epigenetic clocks were generated based on deep-sequencing data of the entire genome. In contrast, our method uses targeted pyrosequencing of three CpGs. This approach is much faster, more cost-effective, and it provides a similar precision as whole-genome sequencing-based age-predictors.
What do I need?
Only small blood volumes of about 100µl are required that can be taken from living mice. The DNA-methylation levels at the three relevant CpGs are measured by pyrosequencing and are then integrated into the linear regression model for prediction of biological age. In comparison to the “real” chronological age, it is then possible to identify parameters that accelerate or decelerate the aging process.
Further reading
Florian MC et al. Inhibition of Cdc42 activity extends lifespan and decreases circulating inflammatory cytokines in aged female C57BL/6 mice. Aging Cell, 2020.
Han Y et al. Targeted methods for epigenetic age predictions in mice. Scientific Reports, 2020.
Han Y et al. Epigenetic age-predictor for mice based on three CpG sites. Elife, 2018.