Epigenetic alterations
Age-related changes in how genes are switched on or off, without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
Epigenetic drift—DNA methylation clocks, histone marks, chromatin remodeling—tracks biological age and predicts mortality beyond chronological age. Aberrant methylation can silence tumor suppressors and derepress retroelements.
How to minimize epigenetic alterations
- Exercise, Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, and smoking cessation shift epigenetic age estimates downward in human trials.
- Caloric restriction and time-restricted eating show measurable epigenetic clock effects over weeks to months—magnitude is modest.
- Limit exposures linked to accelerated epigenetic aging: air pollution, heavy metals, and chronic inflammation.
- Partial reprogramming (Yamanaka factors) is promising preclinically but not actionable outside research settings today.