The Cutting Edge of Epigenetic Clocks: In Search of Mechanisms Linking Aging and Mental Health.

ABSTRACT: Individuals with psychiatric disorders are at increased risk of age-related diseases and early mortality. Recent studies demonstrate that this link between mental health and aging is reflected in epigenetic clocks, aging biomarkers based on DNA methylation. The reported relationships between epigenetic clocks and mental health are mostly correlational, and the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we review recent progress concerning the molecular and cellular processes underlying epigenetic clocks as well as novel technologies enabling further studies of the causes and consequences of epigenetic aging. We then review the current literature on how epigenetic clocks relate to specific aspects of mental health, such as stress, medications, substance use, health behaviors, and symptom clust

SUBMITTER: Harvanek ZM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10409884 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature