A simplified epigenetic clock We have developed AgingMETRIX, a simplified epigenetic clock based on the methylation pattern of a single gene, capable of estimating biological age. This tool is accessible and applicable in various clinical and research settings.

When we talk about age, we generally refer to chronological age, that is, the one we know based on our date of birth. However, a person’s age encompasses much more than the years lived.

Biological age is a measure that reflects the health status and functioning of a person’s biological systems. In many cases, it is more accurate than chronological age when it comes to predicting the pace of aging, since individuals with the same chronological age can show significant differences in their health.

What is the difference between my chronological age and my biological age?
Chronological age is simply the time that has passed since your birth—that is, how old you are. On the other hand, biological age refers to how “old” your cells and tissues are compared to what would be expected for your chronological age. Gene methylation is a process that can influence gene expression and has been used as a marker to estimate biological age. As we age, certain methylation patterns in our DNA change, and these changes can reflect the state of health and aging of our body. So, while your chronological age keeps increasing, your biological age can be younger or older depending on various factors, such as lifestyle and genetics.

There are various factors and biomarkers that correlate with aging, making biological age a relevant piece of information for understanding the true aging state of our body.

Our influence on biological age can be both positive and negative. A healthy lifestyle can maintain or even reduce our biological age, while unhealthy habits can increase it. Some of the factors that influence biological age include:
  • overall physical condition,
  • genetics,
  • metabolic health,
  • lifestyle habits,
  • stress,
  • emotional well-being,
  • inflammation, and
  • other biological markers

The methylation of our genes is a mechanism of epigenetic regulation that can activate or silence genes without altering the DNA sequence. This mechanism is a key biomarker of biological age, as it regulates the expression of genes essential for cell maintenance and repair.

As we age, changes in gene methylation can contribute to the loss of cellular functionality, the development of age-related diseases, and, overall, the deterioration of the body.

The AgingMETRIX test is a biological clock that analyzes the epigenetic methylation patterns of the ELOVL2 gene, which has been associated with chronological age across different populations, cell types, and tissues. The data obtained from the analysis allow for the calculation of biological age.

From the DNA extracted from the saliva sample, the sample is processed using the pyrosequencing technique, a molecular biology method that allows the determination of the percentage of DNA methylation in the sample. Subsequently, the data are analyzed to obtain the biological age value of the sample using algorithms developed by EpiDisease.
If you want to know how to get AgingMETRIX, get in touch with us.
Click here
We invite you to explore our website and the EpiDisease Academy to learn more about our research, methodologies, and the impact of epigenetics on the aging and frailty process. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with our latest discoveries and advancements in our effort to uncover the secrets of aging through epigenetic research.

Discover our latest projects

We present to you our latest lines of research and action.