Reproducibility and validation of a targeted and flexible epigenetic clock for forensic applications

• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112409
• Publication Date: 2025-02-14T21:08:57Z
• Authors: Ersilia Paparazzo; Mirella Aurora Aceto; Teresa Serra Cassano; Francesco Bruno; Davide Lagrotteria; Silvana Geracitano; Antonella La Russa; Alessia Bauleo; Elena Falcone; Vincenzo Lagani; Giuseppe Passarino; Alberto Montesanto

DNA methylation variants have been widely used as biomarkers of ageing and several mathematical models developed to estimate the biological age. More recently, technology has triggered efforts toward simplification array-based epigenetic clocks targeted approaches, based on assessment a small number CpG sites developed. Among markers included in these clocks, ELOVL2, FHL2, KLF14, C1orf132/MIR29B2C, TRIM59 resulted be most strongly validated markers. We tested reproducibility validation previously clock purposely optimized for measurement chronological age blood samples. The includes DNAm correlated with whose levels were measured by using multiplex SNaPshot assay. found that age, calculated clock, was highly (r = 0.97) total 201 samples covering full spectrum human ages. For 74 these, profiles whole genome obtained through Infinium Methylation EPIC v2.0 Kit which also allowed frequently Horvath. These results show potential our efficient affordable test simultaneously measuring at multiple target assess observed strong correlation between prediction analyzed method those Illumina array, especially Horvath2 specifically from skin cells.