Epigenetic Biomarkers of Aging
The aim of the study was to discover new epigenetic biomarkers of aging. We used a genome-wide screen for genetic loci showing consistent changes of DNA methylation with progressive aging. Blood DNA samples from 19 apparently healthy individuals aged 22-80 years obtained from the NINDS repositories were analyzed for DNA methylation using Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing. We followed the New England Biolabs (NEB) protocol for methylated adaptors as described previously. Briefly, 1 microgram of genomic DNA was spiked with 100 picograms of lambda phage DNA as the unmethylated standard and digested with MspI endonuclease at C_CGG sites. Ends of restriction fragments were filled in, 3_-dA tailed and methylated adaptors were ligated to the ends of restriction fragments. Bisulfite... (for more see dbGaP study page.)