What Epigenetics Can Tell Us About Aging with Professor Steve Horvath

In this episode, Professor Steve Horvath, an influential biostatistics and human genetics researcher, dives into the revolutionary world of epigenetic clocks. He explains how he uses DNA methylation data to develop clocks that offer unprecedented precision in predicting both chronological and biological age. Prof. Horvath also discusses how epigenetic clocks can reveal significant disparities between an individual's biological and chronological age, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environment. The episode explores epigenetic clocks’ far-reaching implications for targeted interventions, disease prevention, longevity, and our understanding of core aging processes. Note: This lecture was recorded in March 2022. Learn more about Professor Steve Horvath’s work: https://www.altoslabs.com/team/steve-horvath Learn more about Dr. David Dodick: https://www.atria.org/doctors/dr-david-w-dodick/ Time stamps: 00:00:17: Intro 00:03:00: Steve Horvath introduces the ideas of epigenetic clocks and innate aging 00:04:48: Molecular vs. clinical biomarkers of aging 00:09:20: How to measure biological age 00:11:06: Four axioms of biological age 00:13:40: DNA methylation 00:17:58: Epigenetic clocks as prediction methods 00:24:50: The limitation of using blood as a surrogate for other tissues when measuring aging 00:26:30: Epigenetic age acceleration in different organs and related conditions 00:28:11: Developing an epigenetic clock for primates 00:30:39: Creating a pan-mammalian clock and other species-specific clocks 00:33:13: What is the age of stem cells? 00:36:16: The use of epigenetic clocks in patient care 00:40:07: The effect of lifestyle factors on grim age 00:45:34: How epigenetic clocks enhance the predicting power of other biomarkers 00:46:49: Impact of different interventions on aging 00:49:40: Results of clinical trials on epigenetic aging 00:58:01: Relation between stress and age acceleration 01:00:19: Exploring Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and epigenetic age acceleration 01:02:36: Progerias and their association with epigenetic aging 01:03:41: The development of “causal clocks” and their efficacy in mice 01:05:32: Conclusions and take-home messages — About: Atria’s Vanguard Symposia is a lecture series where some of the world’s most compelling researchers translate leading-edge science into medicine. In each episode, top experts share breakthrough science about preventive health care, dive deep into headline-grabbing topics, and take you beyond the buzzwords to explain the latest in longevity science. Our show will arm you with practical information and the tools of discernment to cut through the hype and understand what matters most. Atria Health and Research Institute aims to accelerate a global shift from reactive sick care to proactive, preventive health care. We work at the forefront of science and technology and we believe a collaborative approach to modern medicine can extend healthy life for all. Learn more: https://www.atria.org/ Subscribe to Atria’s Vanguard Symposia on: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/AtriaVanguardApplePodcasts Spotify: https://bit.ly/AtriaVanguardSpotify Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/Atria-Newsletter The information contained in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always consult the advice of your personal health care provider when seeking medical advice for any condition you may have, and never delay treatment or disregard advice from a professional health care provider based on something you have seen or heard in this content. No part of this podcast can be reproduced, redistributed, published, copied or duplicated in any form without the prior written permission of Atria.