Epigenetic ageing

Last updated on: 23.09.2025

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

With age, cells tend to be hypomethylated globally, but show hypermethylation locally (e.g. at promoter CpG islands). This combination is also referred to as "epigenetic drift" and is a typical characteristic of epigenetic ageing.

General informationThis section has been translated automatically.

Global hypomethylation:

  • With increasing age, the total amount of DNA methylation in the genome decreases.
  • Repetitive elements (LINEs, SINEs, satellite DNA) are particularly affected.
  • Consequence: genomic instability, increased mutation rate.

Regional hypermethylation:

  • At the same time, focal hypermethylation occurs at certain CpG islands in promoter regions.
  • This often affects tumor suppressor genes and cell cycle regulation genes.
  • Consequence: potentially reduced gene expression of important protective genes.

Last updated on: 23.09.2025