Distinctive topology of age-associated epigenetic drift in the human interactome.

ABSTRACT: Recently, it has been demonstrated that DNA methylation, a covalent modification of DNA that can regulate gene expression, is modified as a function of age. However, the biological and clinical significance of this age-associated epigenetic drift is unclear. To shed light on the potential biological significance, we here adopt a systems approach and study the genes undergoing age-associated changes in DNA methylation in the context of a protein interaction network, focusing on their topological properties. In contrast to what has been observed for other age-related gene classes, including longevity- and disease-associated genes, as well as genes undergoing age-associated changes in gene expression, we here demonstrate that age-associated epigenetic drift occurs preferentially in genes that

SUBMITTER: West J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3761591 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature