#062 Dr. Steve Horvath on epigenetic aging to predict healthspan: the DNA PhenoAge and GrimAge clocks
Dec 22, 2020
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Dr. Steve Horvath, a UCLA genetics expert, discusses groundbreaking advances in epigenetic aging. He explains how his Horvath Aging Clock predicts biological age and lifespan through DNA methylation. The conversation delves into the differences between PhenoAge and GrimAge clocks, offering insights into genetic factors influencing aging. He reveals that vitamin D may reverse epigenetic age, while omega-3 could slow the GrimAge clock. With ongoing research, Horvath highlights exciting potential interventions aimed at extending healthspan.
Epigenetic clocks accurately quantify aging based on DNA methylation patterns, predicting both chronological age and health span.
Genetics significantly impact aging rates, with certain populations aging slower despite higher disease risks, emphasizing genetic influences on aging.
Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise weakly affect epigenetic aging at an individual level, showing correlations in broad studies but limited impact on aging processes.
Deep dives
Importance of Epigenetic Clocks in Measuring Aging
Epigenetic clocks, like the Horvath Epigenetic Aging Clock, play a crucial role in measuring aging by accurately quantifying chronological and biological age based on methylation patterns in DNA. These clocks, such as the Grim Age clock, not only predict chronological age but also health span, time to disease onset, and even life span. They provide insights into predicting diseases like cancer and heart disease, offering valuable information that traditional markers like telomere length may not capture effectively.
Impact of Genetics on Aging
Genetics significantly influence the rate of aging, with about 40% of the difference in aging between individuals attributed to genetic factors. Studies have shown that individuals with certain genetic variants age more slowly, impacting their biological age even in the presence of clinical biomarkers indicating higher risk. For instance, populations like Hispanics, despite having higher disease risks like diabetes, can exhibit slower epigenetic aging, emphasizing the role genetics play in the aging process.
Relevance of Lifestyle Factors on Epigenetic Aging
While lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption do affect epigenetic aging to some extent, their impact may be relatively weak at an individual level. These factors show statistical correlations with epigenetic aging in large study populations, but the effects are not profound enough to significantly alter aging processes. However, lifestyle interventions remain important for overall health, even if their impact on epigenetic aging is limited.
Tissue-Specific Effects on Epigenetic Aging
Epigenetic aging has tissue-specific effects, where different tissues may exhibit varied rates of aging. For instance, obesity can accelerate epigenetic age more significantly in liver tissue than in blood. Similarly, anti-aging interventions like hormone therapy may impact tissues like the mouth epithelium differently than blood. Understanding these tissue-specific responses to epigenetic aging is crucial for developing targeted interventions to combat age-related changes across various bodily systems.
Epigenetic Clocks and Aging: Insights from Developmental Processes
One key insight discussed in the podcast relates to epigenetic clocks and aging, highlighting their connection to developmental processes. The speaker explains that epigenetic clocks measure biological age by tracking methylation changes in the genome. The discussion emphasizes the link between age-related methylation patterns and genes involved in development, organ differentiation, and tissue function, suggesting a profound connection between pre-natal tissues and aging.
Aging Interventions and Epigenetic Modifications
Another significant point covered in the podcast is the exploration of aging interventions and their impact on epigenetic aging. The conversation delves into various strategies such as caloric restriction and senolytics in altering the epigenetic age in mice. The speaker mentions the potential benefits of specific interventions like vitamin D supplementation in reducing epigenetic age. Additionally, studies on the effects of fish oil and sleep quality on epigenetic aging are discussed, highlighting the intricate relationship between lifestyle factors and biological aging.
Steve Horvath, PhD, is a professor of human genetics and biostatistics at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health
Dr. Steve Horvath has analyzed large data sets of DNA methylation profiles to derive an algorithm that accurately predicts a person's chronological age across multiple cells, tissues, and organs, and even mammalian species. He built on this algorithm to develop second-generation clocks that could predict time-to-death among people of the same chronological age, as well as lifespan and healthspan.
In this episode, we discuss:
(00:00) Introduction and overview
(20:24) Horvath Aging Clocks
(26:36) Heredity determines aging
(35:49) DNAm PhenoAge vs GrimAge
(45:58) Slowing the epigenetic clock
(01:10:43) Epigenetics: Cause or consequence of aging?