Recent advancements in aging research have led to the development of a groundbreaking new tool called CheekAge, an epigenetic clock that uses cells from the inside of your cheek to predict your risk of mortality. Unlike previous methods that relied on blood samples, this simple and non-invasive approach could revolutionize the way we study aging and its effects on health.
The CheekAge test, developed by scientists in the US, has proven to be more accurate than older blood-based clocks, offering hope for more personalized healthcare. Let’s explore how this test works, its potential applications, and what it means for the future of aging research.
What is an Epigenetic Clock?
An epigenetic clock measures biological aging by examining changes in DNA methylation—tiny chemical tags attached to our DNA that can turn genes on or off. These changes accumulate over time due to factors like lifestyle, diet, and environmental influences, providing insight into how fast a person is aging compared to their chronological age.
In recent years, researchers have developed several epigenetic clocks, mainly using blood samples. These clocks have been used to predict not only biological age but also the risk of age-related diseases and mortality.
However, collecting blood samples can be uncomfortable and stressful for patients. This is where CheekAge, which uses cheek cells instead of blood, comes in as a game-changer.
Key Features of the CheekAge Test:
- Non-invasive: A simple cheek swab replaces the need for blood samples.
- More Accurate: CheekAge has been shown to outperform older blood-based clocks in predicting mortality risk.
- Simple and Accessible: Collecting cheek cells is easy and stress-free, making the test accessible to a wider population.
How Does CheekAge Work?
CheekAge analyzes methylation patterns in cheek cells to estimate biological age. It was developed by comparing data from over 200,000 methylation sites in the genome. These methylation patterns are linked to various health and lifestyle factors that affect aging, such as diet, stress, and environmental exposure.
In a study published in Frontiers in Aging, researchers demonstrated that CheekAge could accurately predict the risk of mortality. This study followed 1,513 men and women born in the 1920s and 1930s as part of the Lothian Birth Cohorts (LBC) program, which aims to understand how cognitive aging is influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and environment.
Key Findings of the Study:
- CheekAge accurately predicted the risk of death based on methylation data from cheek cells.
- For each increase in the CheekAge score, the risk of mortality increased by 21%.
- The clock performed better than previous blood-based clocks in predicting lifespan.
How Is This Different from Other Epigenetic Clocks?
Most earlier epigenetic clocks relied on blood samples, making them less convenient and accessible. CheekAge, by using a simple swab of cheek cells, eliminates the need for invasive procedures while still providing valuable insights into biological aging and mortality risk.
The ability to predict mortality using cheek cells also suggests that the aging process may be similar across different tissues, further supporting the versatility of CheekAge.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Aging Research?
The discovery of CheekAge opens up new possibilities in the field of aging research. Because it provides a non-invasive, accurate way to measure biological age, it can be used to:
- Track Aging Over Time: People can monitor their aging process without needing regular blood tests.
- Prevent Age-Related Diseases: By identifying those at higher risk for mortality, healthcare providers can intervene early to manage or prevent age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
- Personalized Health Plans: CheekAge can help doctors create personalized lifestyle and treatment plans based on an individual’s biological age and health risks.
Potential for Disease Prediction
In addition to predicting mortality, CheekAge could help researchers explore the links between methylation patterns and specific diseases. Some of the genes identified in the study have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis, suggesting that CheekAge could one day be used to predict the likelihood of developing these conditions.
For example, genes like ALPK2 (associated with cancer and heart health) and PDZRN4 (a possible tumor suppressor) stood out in the study. Understanding how these genes influence lifespan and disease risk could lead to new treatments or preventive measures.
Future Research and Applications
While the current study focused on mortality, future research will explore whether CheekAge can predict other important outcomes such as healthspan—the period of life spent free of age-related diseases. This could be crucial in improving quality of life for older adults by identifying those at risk of chronic conditions and enabling earlier interventions.
Dr. Adiv Johnson, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of future research, saying, “It would be intriguing to determine if genes like ALPK2 impact lifespan or health in animal models.”
Conclusion: A Promising Tool for Healthy Aging
The development of CheekAge marks a significant advancement in the study of aging. By offering a simple, non-invasive method to predict mortality and potentially other health outcomes, it holds promise for improving how we understand and manage the aging process.
As more research is conducted, CheekAge could become a vital tool in preventive healthcare, allowing people to take control of their aging and make informed decisions about their health.
References
Shokhirev, M. N., Kramer, D. J., Corley, J., et al. (2024). CheekAge, a next-generation epigenetic buccal clock, is predictive of mortality in human blood. Frontiers in Aging. DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1460360.