DNA Termini Correlate with Methylation at CpG sites in Hair, Urine and Blood Plasma cell-free DNA
The aim of this study was to reconstruct the age of individuals from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) present in rootless hair and urine samples using epigenetic clock methods. Hair was chosen as a noninvasive source for biological age estimation and a sample type which is relevant in forensic science. Samples were obtained from anonymous volunteers. The study expands epigenetic clock research to hair tissue and provides a resource for modeling age-related changes in CpG methylation. Whole genome shotgun sequencing data was generated for all samples using a single-stranded library preparation.