This is shocking new science.
A new test known as CheekAge, which requires a simple swab from the inside of the mouth, shows promise for predicting a person’s life expectancy. Developed by Tally Health, this test is based on the study of epigenetics, which examines how lifestyle and environmental factors influence gene function throughout a person’s life. One of the key components of epigenetics is DNA methylation, a process that alters gene activity without changing the DNA’s core structure.
CheekAge operates as an “epigenetic clock,” analyzing specific methylation markers present in cheek cells. Research indicates that certain methylation patterns correlate with an individual’s expected lifespan. Dr. Maxim Shokhirev, the head of computational biology at Tally Health, explains that specific sites of methylation are vital for understanding how certain genes relate to mortality. This research was published in Frontiers in Aging and is based on data collected from the Lothian Birth Cohorts program at the University of Edinburgh, which has been tracking the health and genetics of over 1,500 individuals born between 1921 and 1936.
Participants in the study underwent DNA methylation testing through blood samples every three years, examining over 450,000 methylation sites. Researchers found that CheekAge results were significantly associated with mortality and outperformed earlier epigenetic clocks based solely on blood data. For each standard deviation increase in CheekAge, the risk of death from any cause increased by 21%. This suggests that the CheekAge test may serve as a viable alternative to blood-based testing.
Although blood tests are currently the standard in epigenetic testing, the ease of a cheek swab could improve patient comfort and accessibility. The findings indicate that common mortality signals may be detectable across different tissues, making CheekAge a valuable tool for understanding the biology of aging.
Additionally, the research identified specific methylation sites that could be crucial in determining lifespan. Genes such as PDZRN4 and ALPK2 were highlighted for their potential links to cancer and heart health. The study suggests the need for future research to explore further associations that CheekAge might reveal, particularly concerning age-related diseases and overall healthspan, the duration of life spent free from chronic ailments and disabilities.
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