Epigenetic changes play a significant role in aging and longevity. You can use several methods, like methylation testing, to determine the extent of epigenetic alterations on your DNA.
Epigenetic changes are alterations that affect your genes, turning them on and off. There are several types of epigenetic alterations that have been identified by scientists, like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA. Researchers highlight that these changes play a significant role in aging and longevity. Several techniques, like methylation clocks, have been utilized to determine the extent of epigenetic alterations on your DNA.
Genes and epigenetics: Understanding the basics
Before we get to more advanced concepts, we need to get the hang of some terms. Epigenetics is made of two parts: “epi-”, a Greek word meaning on, above, outside, or over, and “-genetics," referring to genes (a region of your DNA that contain instructions to produce proteins and carry out various functions). Taken together, it means factors beyond the genetic code. Epigenetics is the study of how environmental and behavioral factors affect the way your genes function and what they produce (1).
- Are you interested in genetics? Read what risks and predispositions can be revealed by genetic testing.
What do epigenetic changes mean?
Epigenetic alterations refer to changes that affect your chromosome (a structure found in the nucleus that carries your genetic information), modulating the protein products your genes make (2). Epigenetic alterations are like a control switch that turns genes on and off. One thing to note is that epigenetic changes do not affect your DNA sequence. This is good news because it means these changes are reversible!
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, you can take diagnostic tests to help determine the impact of the environment, your lifestyle, and other factors on your epigenetics, and treatments that help slow down or even reverse some of these effects. This will help promote your healthy longevity. Book a free consultation to find out more.
What are the types of epigenetic changes?
Now that we understand the basic epigenetics concepts, it is time we learn their types. Currently, researchers have pinpointed three types of epigenetic changes that influence the products your genes make and play a role in health and disease (3, 4, 5, 6). The three types of epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, histone (proteins around which your DNA wraps) modifications, and non-coding RNA (RNA that does not apparently translate into protein) alterations.
DNA methylation
In DNA methylation, a chemical group called methyl is added to a specific location on the DNA. This typically turns the gene “off." On the other hand, a methyl group is removed by a process called demethylation, which typically turns the gene expression process “on” (1, 7). This process generally controls the protein products of these genes. Studies have shown that aging causes a dysregulation in DNA methylation levels.
Histone modifications
In histone modifications, various chemical groups are added to histones, resulting in tighter or looser histone packing (1, 7, 8). This process controls how much of your gene can be expressed (produce proteins). This is because it controls how much of it is accessible to specialized proteins that read it to make products (1). Generally speaking, tighter packing of histones turns gene expression “off” and vice versa.
Non-coding RNA
Non-coding RNA, also called micro RNAs, are made from instructions found in your DNA. These RNAs (and other proteins) regulate gene expression by attaching to coding RNA, which contains instructions to make proteins in your body (1, 8). This attachment acts as a control that triggers gene expression "on" and "off".
Importance of epigenetic changes
You may be wondering why it is important to understand the types of epigenetic alterations. This is because understanding their types will help you learn about the factors that accelerate them and how to fight and/or slow down their effects, promoting healthy longevity.
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, we have means that help determine and calculate the epigenetic changes that occur to your genes. Also, we provide treatments that help tackle multiple epigenetic changes simultaneously, providing greater benefits. Look at our programs to learn more.
DNA methylation and diseases
Starting from this part, we will dive into more details about DNA methylation. This is because many studies have assessed its impact on health and disease. Also, an extensive body of literature discusses the factors that propagate DNA methylation, disorders related to it, how to measure it, and much more.
Research has shown that aberrant methylation can cause several diseases. For example, methylation abnormalities have been linked to different types of cancer, such as breast, liver, lung, and prostate cancer (7). Let’s explore how that works.
In cancerous cells, there is a generalized decrease in methylation along with hypermethylation events in specific genes, increasing your risk of developing cancer (9). So, suppose an increase in DNA methylation causes a reduction in BRCA1 gene expression. In this case, you will be at higher risk for breast and other cancers.
Other diseases that have been associated with abnormal DNA methylation include conditions affecting the heart and blood circulation and nervous system conditions, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (7, 9, 10). In addition, studies have suggested a connection between methylation and autoimmune diseases (a disease caused by the body's own defense system attacking normal tissue), like rheumatoid arthritis (11, 12). Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and surrounding tissue.
DNA methylation and epigenetic clocks
Epigenetic clocks are tests that help understand the aging process. They use statistical models and algorithms that help track and determine DNA methylation patterns in various cells and tissues (13, 14, 15). DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks have been researched as potential biomarkers to help understand longevity and the risk of disease development (10).
Capturing DNA methylation (and other epigenetic alterations) helps determine a parameter called biological age, also called the physiological age, which is the age of your cells and tissues (10, 16, 17). The deviation between biological age and chronological age (time lapsed from your birth to the moment) explains why some people develop age-related diseases like diabetes at an earlier age, shortening their lifespan (18).
Can you slow down age-driven DNA methylation drifts?
YES! Caloric restriction, defined as a reduction in calorie intake without causing malnutrition, shows promising results (19). In this area, research has shown that utilizing this approach reduced DNA methylation abnormalities caused by aging (19, 20). This is big! Because it means that the impact of aging could be slowed down or even reversed in some cases. Other factors influencing DNA methylation include physical activity, diet, and others (21, 22).
Healthy Longevity Clinic offers programs that can help you track your epigenetic changes. Since lifestyle modifications are not enough to attenuate or reverse epigenetic changes like DNA methylation, Healthy Longevity Clinic provides top-tier nutritional supplements and other treatments to help you with your quest for health and longevity. Book a free consultation to find out more.
Epigenetic changes are alterations that affect your genes, turning them on and off. There are several types of epigenetic alterations that have been identified by scientists, like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA. Researchers highlight that these changes play a significant role in aging and longevity. Several techniques, like methylation clocks, have been utilized to determine the extent of epigenetic alterations on your DNA.
Genes and epigenetics: Understanding the basics
Before we get to more advanced concepts, we need to get the hang of some terms. Epigenetics is made of two parts: “epi-”, a Greek word meaning on, above, outside, or over, and “-genetics," referring to genes (a region of your DNA that contain instructions to produce proteins and carry out various functions). Taken together, it means factors beyond the genetic code. Epigenetics is the study of how environmental and behavioral factors affect the way your genes function and what they produce (1).
- Are you interested in genetics? Read what risks and predispositions can be revealed by genetic testing.
What do epigenetic changes mean?
Epigenetic alterations refer to changes that affect your chromosome (a structure found in the nucleus that carries your genetic information), modulating the protein products your genes make (2). Epigenetic alterations are like a control switch that turns genes on and off. One thing to note is that epigenetic changes do not affect your DNA sequence. This is good news because it means these changes are reversible!
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, you can take diagnostic tests to help determine the impact of the environment, your lifestyle, and other factors on your epigenetics, and treatments that help slow down or even reverse some of these effects. This will help promote your healthy longevity. Book a free consultation to find out more.
What are the types of epigenetic changes?
Now that we understand the basic epigenetics concepts, it is time we learn their types. Currently, researchers have pinpointed three types of epigenetic changes that influence the products your genes make and play a role in health and disease (3, 4, 5, 6). The three types of epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, histone (proteins around which your DNA wraps) modifications, and non-coding RNA (RNA that does not apparently translate into protein) alterations.
DNA methylation
In DNA methylation, a chemical group called methyl is added to a specific location on the DNA. This typically turns the gene “off." On the other hand, a methyl group is removed by a process called demethylation, which typically turns the gene expression process “on” (1, 7). This process generally controls the protein products of these genes. Studies have shown that aging causes a dysregulation in DNA methylation levels.
Histone modifications
In histone modifications, various chemical groups are added to histones, resulting in tighter or looser histone packing (1, 7, 8). This process controls how much of your gene can be expressed (produce proteins). This is because it controls how much of it is accessible to specialized proteins that read it to make products (1). Generally speaking, tighter packing of histones turns gene expression “off” and vice versa.
Non-coding RNA
Non-coding RNA, also called micro RNAs, are made from instructions found in your DNA. These RNAs (and other proteins) regulate gene expression by attaching to coding RNA, which contains instructions to make proteins in your body (1, 8). This attachment acts as a control that triggers gene expression "on" and "off".
Importance of epigenetic changes
You may be wondering why it is important to understand the types of epigenetic alterations. This is because understanding their types will help you learn about the factors that accelerate them and how to fight and/or slow down their effects, promoting healthy longevity.
At Healthy Longevity Clinic, we have means that help determine and calculate the epigenetic changes that occur to your genes. Also, we provide treatments that help tackle multiple epigenetic changes simultaneously, providing greater benefits. Look at our programs to learn more.
DNA methylation and diseases
Starting from this part, we will dive into more details about DNA methylation. This is because many studies have assessed its impact on health and disease. Also, an extensive body of literature discusses the factors that propagate DNA methylation, disorders related to it, how to measure it, and much more.
Research has shown that aberrant methylation can cause several diseases. For example, methylation abnormalities have been linked to different types of cancer, such as breast, liver, lung, and prostate cancer (7). Let’s explore how that works.
In cancerous cells, there is a generalized decrease in methylation along with hypermethylation events in specific genes, increasing your risk of developing cancer (9). So, suppose an increase in DNA methylation causes a reduction in BRCA1 gene expression. In this case, you will be at higher risk for breast and other cancers.
Other diseases that have been associated with abnormal DNA methylation include conditions affecting the heart and blood circulation and nervous system conditions, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (7, 9, 10). In addition, studies have suggested a connection between methylation and autoimmune diseases (a disease caused by the body's own defense system attacking normal tissue), like rheumatoid arthritis (11, 12). Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and surrounding tissue.
DNA methylation and epigenetic clocks
Epigenetic clocks are tests that help understand the aging process. They use statistical models and algorithms that help track and determine DNA methylation patterns in various cells and tissues (13, 14, 15). DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks have been researched as potential biomarkers to help understand longevity and the risk of disease development (10).
Capturing DNA methylation (and other epigenetic alterations) helps determine a parameter called biological age, also called the physiological age, which is the age of your cells and tissues (10, 16, 17). The deviation between biological age and chronological age (time lapsed from your birth to the moment) explains why some people develop age-related diseases like diabetes at an earlier age, shortening their lifespan (18).
Can you slow down age-driven DNA methylation drifts?
YES! Caloric restriction, defined as a reduction in calorie intake without causing malnutrition, shows promising results (19). In this area, research has shown that utilizing this approach reduced DNA methylation abnormalities caused by aging (19, 20). This is big! Because it means that the impact of aging could be slowed down or even reversed in some cases. Other factors influencing DNA methylation include physical activity, diet, and others (21, 22).
Healthy Longevity Clinic offers programs that can help you track your epigenetic changes. Since lifestyle modifications are not enough to attenuate or reverse epigenetic changes like DNA methylation, Healthy Longevity Clinic provides top-tier nutritional supplements and other treatments to help you with your quest for health and longevity. Book a free consultation to find out more.
1. What is Epigenetics? | CDC Cdc.gov: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2022 [updated 2022-09-15T02:55:52Z; cited 2023 01-27]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/epigenetics.htm.
2. Al Aboud NM, Tupper C, Jialal I. Genetics, epigenetic mechanism. 2018.
3. Hamilton JP. Epigenetics: principles and practice. Dig Dis. 2011;29(2):130-5.
4. Ben-Avraham D. Epigenetics of Aging. In: Atzmon PG, editor. Longevity Genes: A Blueprint for Aging. New York, NY: Springer New York; 2015. p. 179-91.
5. Loscalzo J, Handy DE. Epigenetic modifications: basic mechanisms and role in cardiovascular disease (2013 Grover Conference series). Pulm Circ. 2014;4(2):169-74.
6. Stephens KE, Miaskowski CA, Levine JD, Pullinger CR, Aouizerat BE. Epigenetic regulation and measurement of epigenetic changes. Biol Res Nurs. 2013;15(4):373-81.
7. Moosavi A, Motevalizadeh Ardekani A. Role of Epigenetics in Biology and Human Diseases. Iran Biomed J. 2016;20(5):246-58.
8. Saul D, Kosinsky RL. Epigenetics of Aging and Aging-Associated Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(1).
9. Kandi V, Vadakedath S. Effect of DNA Methylation in Various Diseases and the Probable Protective Role of Nutrition: A Mini-Review. Cureus. 2015;7(8):e309.
10. Salameh Y, Bejaoui Y, El Hajj N. DNA Methylation Biomarkers in Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Frontiers in Genetics. 2020;11.
11. Zhu H, Wu L-F, Mo X-B, Lu X, Tang H, Zhu X-W, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis–associated DNA methylation sites in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2019;78(1):36-42.
12. Cribbs A, Feldmann M, Oppermann U. Towards an understanding of the role of DNA methylation in rheumatoid arthritis: therapeutic and diagnostic implications. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2015;7(5):206-19.
13. Ryan CP. "Epigenetic clocks": Theory and applications in human biology. Am J Hum Biol. 2021;33(3):e23488.
14. Simpson DJ, Chandra T. Epigenetic age prediction. Aging Cell. 2021;20(9):e13452.
15. de Lima Camillo LP, Lapierre LR, Singh R. A pan-tissue DNA-methylation epigenetic clock based on deep learning. npj Aging. 2022;8(1):4.
16. Jain P, Binder AM, Chen B, Parada H, Jr., Gallo LC, Alcaraz J, et al. Analysis of Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Healthy Longevity Among Older US Women. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(7):e2223285-e.
17. Maltoni R, Ravaioli S, Bronte G, Mazza M, Cerchione C, Massa I, et al. Chronological age or biological age: What drives the choice of adjuvant treatment in elderly breast cancer patients? Translational oncology. 2022;15(1):101300-.
18. Alegría-Torres JA, Baccarelli A, Bollati V. Epigenetics and lifestyle. Epigenomics. 2011;3(3):267-77.
19. Waziry R, Ryan CP, Corcoran DL, Huffman KM, Kobor MS, Kothari M, et al. Effect of long-term caloric restriction on DNA methylation measures of biological aging in healthy adults from the CALERIE trial. Nature Aging. 2023.
20. Maegawa S, Lu Y, Tahara T, Lee JT, Madzo J, Liang S, et al. Caloric restriction delays age-related methylation drift. Nat Commun. 2017;8(1):539.
21. Światowy WJ, Drzewiecka H, Kliber M, Sąsiadek M, Karpiński P, Pławski A, et al. Physical Activity and DNA Methylation in Humans. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(23).
22. Maugeri A, Barchitta M. How Dietary Factors Affect DNA Methylation: Lesson from Epidemiological Studies. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020;56(8).
Get our monthly newsletter
Sign up to our regular newsletter for longevity news, program updates, and new clinical case studies from our clinic.
.jpg)
