Epigenetic Age Prediction Using N6-Methyladenine in the Buff-Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic clocks are machine learning models that predict an organism's chronological age (the time elapsed since birth) or biological age (a proxy for physiological integrity) based on methylation levels from multiple genomic sites. To date, all epigenetic clocks rely exclusively on C5-methylcytosine (5 mC), the predominant DNA methylation mark in vertebrates. However, not all species possess detectable 5 mC levels. Here, we used N6-methyladenine (6 mA), a less-characterized DNA modification type, to develop a series of epigenetic clocks in the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). Using long-read Nanopore sequencing, we generated genome-wide, base-resolution profiles of 6 mA and 5 mC in males of different ages (n = 15), and developed multiple epigenetic clocks based on distinct fea

SUBMITTER: Renard T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12740111 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature