The epigenetic clock and physical development during childhood and adolescence: longitudinal analysis from a UK birth cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Statistical models that use an individual's DNA methylation levels to estimate their age (known as epigenetic clocks) have recently been developed, with 96% correlation found between epigenetic and chronological age. We postulate that differences between estimated and actual age [age acceleration (AA)] can be used as a measure of developmental age in early life.

Methods

We obtained DNA methylation measures at three time points (birth, age 7 years and age 17 years) in 1018 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Using an online calculator, we estimated epigenetic age, and thus AA, for each child at each time point. We then investigated whether AA was prospectively associated with repeated measures of height, weight, body mass ind

SUBMITTER: Simpkin AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5722033 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature