Investigating Aging and DNA Methylation: A Path to Improving Health Span?

Investigating aging has become a subject of intense biomedical focus. This has coincided with an unprecedented rise in epigenetic research. DNA methylation (DNAm) is the most comprehensively investigated epigenetic process. Epigenetic clocks are capable of statistically correlating DNAm changes with chronological age. DNAm changes are also proving to be a worthwhile biomarker of age-related disease, while emerging evidence suggests this epigenetic mechanism could be an effective diagnostic tool for disease detection. Such investigative progress has significant implications for health care. In this brief review we examine some recent findings in this area. The overarching aim and scope of the work is to address the relationship between aging, DNAm, and health. We commence by briefly introducing aging. Next, DNAm and age-related disease are discussed. Thirdly, we critically examine epigenetic clocks. We conclude by exploring recent advances in the use of biosensors for measuring DNAm and disease detection.