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Epigenetic Clocks
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# Epigenetic Clocks Portal: Genetic Modification Stage: Research and trial support Evidence: Early human Template: Concept Risk: Low Reversibility: Reversible Last reviewed: Jun 2026 == Summary == DNA methylation clocks estimate biological age and may become trial tools, but they are not a substitute for health outcomes. == Key takeaways == * Clock age can move without proving that healthspan improved. * Different clocks answer different questions: chronological prediction, mortality risk, pace of aging, or tissue state. * The strongest use case is faster feedback inside trials, not direct consumer ranking. == Mechanism == Epigenetic clocks use methylation patterns across many genomic sites to estimate age-related biological state. They are statistical instruments, not literal clocks inside the cell. A clock can be useful even when its mechanism is partly opaque, but interpretation needs validation against disease risk, function, and survival. == Limitations == A supplement, diet, drug, or training block that improves a clock score has not automatically extended life. The score may be sensitive to immune shifts, cell composition, or temporary stress responses. For a wiki reader, clocks are best treated as dashboard instruments. They can guide questions, but they should not overrule clinical markers or lived function. == Watchlist == * Tissue-specific clocks * Clinical endpoint validation * Consumer testing drift * Trial surrogate rules == References == * Multi-tissue methylation clock — Horvath, Genome Biology, 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24138928/. Foundational DNA methylation age model across tissues and cell types. * Mammalian methylation clocks — Nature Aging, 2023. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-023-00462-6. Use for cross-species context and interpretation limits. == Categories == [[Category:Genetic Modification]] [[Category:biomarkers]] [[Category:methylation]] [[Category:trials]]