In the exploration of aging and health outcomes, epigenetic clocks have emerged as crucial biomarkers. Predominantly developed from data pertaining to Western demographics, these clocks utilize DNA methylation patterns to assess biological age and predict various health outcomes. This geographical skew in data sources brings to the fore significant concerns about their efficacy and generalizability across different cultural and genetic makeups.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the variability of epigenetic clocks' performance across diverse populations. It seeks to measure their reliability when applied outside their initial development contexts and explore their potential for broadening the horizons of global public health strategies. This investigation will be pivotal in addressing the pressing need for global health models that accommodate diverse biological backgrounds.

To gather further insights on this subject, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Comparative analyses of epigenetic clocks' effectiveness in varying populations.
• Exploration of molecular pathways and mechanisms that may elucidate differences in epigenetic aging processes across populations.
• Assessment of these clocks' predictive power on disease, mindfulness practices, and personalized medicine practices across different genetic profiles
• Strategies for the development and validation of new epigenetic clocks that cater to diverse global populations.
• Development of epigenetic clocks in non-human species as models for disease and aging
• Socioeconomic factors and the effect of chronic illnesses on epigenetic clocks.
• Examination of public health frameworks that integrate epigenetic aging metrics in multi-cultural settings.
• Examination of alternative epigenetic clock models based on novel CpG sites that provide better accuracy across diverse populations, genetic backgrounds, or disease states.

With these targeted inquiries, the scope of this research topic is mapped across clinical and public health interfaces, anticipating significant contributions that enhance our understanding of the translational applications of epigenetic aging markers globally.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Variability of Epigenetic Clocks and their Mechanisms in Association with Culture, Lifestyle, Aging and Disease