DNA Methylation Signatures Of Frailty Beyond Age: A Longitudinal Study Of Female And Male Mice
Frailty, a common condition in older age characterized by a decline in overall health, has long puzzled scientists due to its complex and often unclear origins. This new research sheds light on some of these mysteries by exploring changes in “DNA methylation,” a process where chemical tags attach to DNA and influence gene activity without altering the underlying genetic code. Think of it like dimmer switches on your genes, turning their activity up or down. In a study involving male and female mice over time, researchers discovered specific patterns of these DNA methylation changes that are associated with frailty. Importantly, they found that some of these patterns are linked to frailty regardless of the animal’s age, while others are more closely tied to the aging process itself. For instance, age-independent frailty was connected to changes in genes involved in the nervous and hormone systems, whereas age-related frailty showed links to genes in signaling and fat metabolism pathways. The study also revealed that these methylation changes can differ between sexes, suggesting that males and females might experience frailty through distinct biological mechanisms. By identifying these unique “epigenetic signatures,” this research offers promising new avenues for developing ways to predict who might become frail and potentially even new strategies to intervene and promote healthier aging.
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