Epigenetic age-predictor for mice based on three CpG sites.

Han, Yang; Eipel, Monika; Franzen, Julia; Sakk, Vadim; Dethmers-Ausema, Bertien; Yndriago, Laura; Izeta, Ander; de Haan, Gerald et al. · Elife · 2018

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Epigenetic clocks for mice were generated based on deep-sequencing analysis of the methylome. Here, we demonstrate that site-specific analysis of DNA methylation levels by pyrosequencing at only three CG dinucleotides (CpGs) in the genes <i>Prima1</i>, <i>Hsf4</i>, and <i>Kcns1</i> facilitates precise estimation of chronological age in murine blood samples, too. DBA/2 mice revealed accelerated epigenetic aging as compared to C57BL6 mice, which is in line with their shorter life-expectancy. The three-CpG-predictor provides a simple and cost-effective biomarker to determine biological age in large intervention studies with mice.

Medical subject headings