Genetic Mutations and Epigenetic Shifts in Biological Aging

A recent study explores the interplay between genetic mutations and epigenetic changes in the context of biological ageing. Scientists have long observed that DNA mutations accumulate over time, and epigenetic markers, which influence gene expression, shift predictably as we age, forming the basis for "epigenetic clocks". This research reveals a correlation between these two phenomena, suggesting that mutations can impact DNA methylation, a key epigenetic process. Mutated sites show reduced methylation, while nearby sites exhibit increased methylation. The scientists built age-prediction clocks using both genetic and epigenetic data and found that the clocks made similar predictions. This suggests a link between the two processes, either as a cause and effect, or as a result of the same driver. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine if reversing mutations can stall ageing.