Summary
This Nature Reviews Genetics article provides a comprehensive synthesis of current understanding regarding age-related changes in the methylome and the emerging role of epigenetic clocks as potential biomarkers of ageing rate. The review examines the mechanistic drivers of methylation drift across the lifespan and contextualises methylation as a potential pathway through which lifestyle and environmental factors—including dietary and nutritional status—may influence longevity and health span. As suggested by the authors' expertise and the scope of a 2022 Nature Reviews paper, the work positions epigenetic methylation as a measurable biological signature relevant to understanding individual variation in ageing trajectories.
Regional applicability
The methylome and epigenetic clocks are tissue- and population-independent biomarkers; findings on methylation patterns and ageing mechanisms are directly applicable to UK populations. However, the review focuses on mechanistic and biomarker aspects rather than UK-specific dietary or public health interventions, so direct translation to UK policy or nutritional guidance would require integration with dietary intervention trials conducted in UK populations.
Key measures
Epigenetic clock measurements; methylation drift trajectories; age-related changes in methylome composition; associations between methylation patterns and biological ageing and health outcomes
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises current understanding of age-related changes in DNA methylation patterns (the methylome) and evaluates epigenetic clocks as biomarkers of ageing rate. It examines mechanisms driving methylation drift with age and emerging evidence linking methylation patterns to biological ageing and health outcomes.
Topic tags
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