Cell‐free DNA as a biomarker of aging

• DOI: 10.1111/acel.12890
• Publication Date: 2018-12-21T16:34:31Z
• Authors: Yee Voan Teo; Miriam Capri; Cristina Morsiani; Grazia Pizza; Ana Maria Caetano...; Claudio Franceschi; Nicola Neretti
• Keywords: Epigenome; Cell-free fetal DNA; Retrotransposon; Euchromatin

Abstract Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is present in the circulating plasma and other body fluids known to originate mainly from apoptotic cells. Here, we provide first vivo evidence of global local chromatin changes human aging by analyzing cfDNA blood individuals different age groups. Our results show that nucleosome signals inferred are consistent with redistribution heterochromatin observed cellular senescence model systems. In addition, detected a relative loss at several genomic locations, such as transcription start termination sites, 5′UTR L1HS retrotransposons dimeric AluY elements age. also revealed deteriorating health status correlate increased enrichment cells tissues. conclusion, our sequencing can be used noninvasive methodology study age‐associated epigenome vivo.