Victoria AdolphusA groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Aging reveals a simple, non-invasive cheek swab test that accurately predicts mortality risk. Dubbed CheekAge, this second-generation epigenetic clock outperforms earlier blood-based clocks, paving the way for a new era in aging research.
How it Works
CheekAge analyzes DNA methylation in cheek cells to measure molecular aging. By correlating methylation sites with lifestyle and health factors, researchers can predict mortality risk. This innovative approach eliminates the need for invasive blood samples, making it an attractive alternative for studying aging.
Key Findings
- CheekAge accurately predicts mortality risk in older adults.
- The test outperforms first-generation clocks trained on blood data.
- Specific methylation sites are linked to mortality, revealing potential genetic connections.
- A 21% increase in hazard ratio for all-cause mortality is associated with each standard deviation increase in CheekAge.
Implications
- Non-invasive cheek swab sampling simplifies aging research.
- Identifying key methylation sites may uncover new targets for anti-aging interventions.
- CheekAge may predict age-related diseases and healthspan duration.
Expert Insights
“CheekAge demonstrates that common mortality signals exist across tissues, making it a valuable tool for studying aging.” – Dr. Maxim Shokhirev
“Future studies will explore CheekAge’s potential to predict age-related diseases and healthspan.” – Dr. Adiv Johnson
The Future of Aging Research
CheekAge revolutionizes our understanding of aging, offering a simple, non-invasive approach to predict mortality risk. As research continues to unravel the mysteries of aging, this breakthrough test may hold the key to unlocking new anti-aging strategies and improving human healthspan.
