The epigenome is a set of chemical modifications that can be made to DNA and its associated proteins that can change the way genes are expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications can be influenced by environmental factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins. Epigenetic changes have been linked to aging and longevity¹⁴.
Studies on the human population have shown that genetic factors could explain a fraction (20 to 30%) of the differences observed in life spans of monozygotic twins, the majority of the remainder of variation is thought to have arisen through epigenetic drift during their lifetime¹. The interest of longevity companies like Altos, Calico, and others in targeting the epigenome demonstrates something that we have known already for a long time: that maintaining a healthy epigenome is very important for health and longevity².
Many genes and pathways have been correlated with longevity regulation which could be possible epigenetic biomarkers of aging. The DNA epigenetic pattern changes during life³. This Review discusses the epigenetic changes that occur during ageing and the rapidly increasing knowledge of how these epigenetic mechanisms have an effect on healthspan and lifespan extension⁴.
Epigenetic changes can have an effect on healthspan and lifespan extension. Histones are proteins that package DNA into a compact structure called chromatin. Epigenetic researchers discovered that histone levels are linked to lifespan regulation. Research shows that modifications in histones can change chromatin organization. This, in turn, can lead to changes in gene expression. In some animals, overexpression of certain histones extends lifespan.
DNA methylation is a process where methyl groups attach themselves to DNA molecules. DNA methylation patterns change throughout one’s lifespan. As one ages, it can increase and decrease depending on the genome site. Over time, this pattern of change refers to the epigenetic drift. In some animals with shorter lifespans, this epigenetic drift happens more quickly. Epigenetic changes in DNA methylation have been linked to aging and longevity .
(1) Epigenetics and aging | Science Advances. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1600584.
(2) The ageing epigenome and its rejuvenation – Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41580-019-0204-5.
(3) Altos Wants To Reverse Aging – And They Are Not The Only Ones – NOVOS. https://novoslabs.com/altos-wants-to-reverse-aging-epigenetic-reprogramming-rejuvenation-companies/.
(4) Frontiers | The epigenetic aging, obesity, and lifestyle. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2022.985274/full.
(5) The epigenetics of aging: What the body’s hands of time tell us. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/epigenetics-aging-what-bodys-hands-time-tell-us.