Longevity ⇒ DNA methylation aging clocks: knowing when we will die

[Fred]

Abstract
Epigenetic clocks comprise a set of CpG sites whose DNA methylation levels measure subject age. These clocks are acknowledged as a highly accurate molecular correlate of chronological age in humans and other vertebrates.

Also, extensive research is aimed at their potential to quantify biological aging rates and test longevity or rejuvenating interventions.

Here, we discuss key challenges to understand clock mechanisms and biomarker utility. This requires dissecting the drivers and regulators of age-related changes in single-cell, tissue- and disease-specific models, as well as exploring other epigenomic marks, longitudinal and diverse population studies, and non-human models.

We also highlight important ethical issues in forensic age determination and predicting the trajectory of biological aging in an individual.

https://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com ... 019-1824-y

[Drdavid]

This type of testing creates multiple ethical challenges. Will the testing results be available to insurance companies and the government? Will these entities be able to alter course of care based on the aging profile?

[Newage]

This type of testing creates multiple ethical challenges. Will the testing results be available to insurance companies and the government? Will these entities be able to alter course of care based on the aging profile?

I agree
Would the individual be in a position to insure him or herself against death if he or she had inside knowledge from an untraceable source that he or she was going to die in the near future from what may not be a pre existing condition.
Could and probably would create an ethical and potentially fraudulent nightmare within the already suspect Health System..

[Drdavid]

This type of testing creates multiple ethical challenges. Will the testing results be available to insurance companies and the government? Will these entities be able to alter course of care based on the aging profile?

I agree
Would the individual be in a position to insure him or herself against death if he or she had inside knowledge from an untraceable source that he or she was going to die in the near future from what may not be a pre existing condition.
Could and probably would create an ethical and potentially fraudulent nightmare within the already suspect Health System..

It is a slippery slope.