Scientists from Jerusalem's Hebrew University have developed an accurate method of assessing biological age, which does not require a full analysis of the genome. The results of the study were published in Cell Reports.
Unlike other methods that require a large amount of genetic material, Magenet estimates only two small parts of DNA, where the so-called methylation "signs" accumulates.
This process includes the increase in molecules in DNA molecules, which does not change the sequence of genes, but regulates their activity. With age, the "pattern" of methylation becomes more and more typical, which allows you to determine how "worn out" human body is.
In order to decode the changes, researchers used artificial intelligence to train neural networks to read the molecular "signatures" of aging. This allowed the minimum error (1.36 years) to assess the biological age of people younger than 50 years old.
"This is not just an epigenetic watch, but a complex mechanism where random factors combine with clear patterns," said Professor Yuval Dor.
Moreover, scientists have found that the aging process is registered in DNA unevenly, but "shocks", as if the cells test their internal watches from time to time.
According to scientists, the use of a new method in medicine will help doctors assess the patient's biological age, to identify the risks of diabetes, demise or cardiovascular disease. In the field of superintology, Magene can open the opportunity to study how lifestyle, diet or medicine affects mobile processes.
Another advantage of the method is its low price. Because it only requires analysis of two DNA regions, it is significantly cheaper than a complete genom sequence. However, so far it has been tested on healthy volunteers. Scientists still need to check how accurate Magenet works with severe diseases in the genomes of patients, in which the patriotic pattern can be disrupted.
Translation of: Euromedia24.com
