Targeting the epigenetically older individuals for geroprotective trials: the use of DNA methylation clocks

Chronological age is the most important risk factor for the incidence of age-related diseases. The pace of ageing determines the magnitude of that risk and can be expressed as biological age. Targeting fundamental pathways of human aging with geroprotectors has the potential to lower the biological age and therewith prolong the healthspan, the period of life one spends in good health. Target populations for geroprotective interventions should be chosen based on the ageing mechanisms being addressed and the expected effect of the geroprotector on the primary outcome. Biomarkers of ageing, such as DNA methylation age, can be used to select populations for geroprotective interventions and as a surrogate outcome. Here, the use of DNA methylation clocks for selecting target populations for geroprotective intervention is explored.

Automated summary

Chronological age is the most important risk factor for age-related diseases. The pace of aging determines the level of risk, which can be measured as biological age. Targeting fundamental aging pathways with geroprotectors has the potential to reduce biological age and therefore extend the period of healthy life. The selection of target populations for geroprotective interventions should be based on the specific aging mechanisms and the expected effects of the geroprotector. Biomarkers of aging, such as DNA methylation age, can be used to select populations and serve as surrogate outcomes. This article explores the use of DNA methylation clocks for selecting target populations for geroprotective interventions.