Are these tests the same as DNA sequencing?
Not quite. GlycanAge is unique amongst aging clocks.
Unlike other clocks, it integrates genetic, epigenetic and environmental aspects of aging.
Telomere shortening for example is the DNA timer that limits the lifespan of a single cell. On an individual cell level, telomeres are an excellent marker of aging. But, we are all composed of trillions of cells, each of them with a different age and expected lifespan. A large study recently concluded that Telomeres are not a good predictor of age-related health status.
Many epigenetic clocks of aging have recently come to market - all based on Steve Horvath's discovery that some aspects of DNA methylation correlate strongly with chronological age.
Epigenetics is a form of cellular memory, a field which has significant biomarker potential. There is little research demonstrating what these epigenetic clocks are actually measuring though. The Horvath clock, with which they correlate, is also too linked to chronological age to be useful.
GlycanAge measures composition of the IgG glycome (glycans attached to IgG). The IgG glycome not only changes with age, but also affects inflammation at many levels. Glycans are not only biomarkers, but also functional effectors of aging. Many studies show accelerated glycan aging is associated with both unhealthy lifestyle and diseases. In some cases glycans were also shown to be causal for disease development.
Uniquely, GlycanAge responds to lifestyle interventions. Epigenetic clocks for example don’t respond to weight loss. GlycanAge does. Our studies demonstrate that lifestyle interventions known to be beneficial for health and aging, measurably reverse glycan aging. This makes it an ideal measure for longevity treatment.
Unlike other clocks, it integrates genetic, epigenetic and environmental aspects of aging.
Telomere shortening for example is the DNA timer that limits the lifespan of a single cell. On an individual cell level, telomeres are an excellent marker of aging. But, we are all composed of trillions of cells, each of them with a different age and expected lifespan. A large study recently concluded that Telomeres are not a good predictor of age-related health status.
Many epigenetic clocks of aging have recently come to market - all based on Steve Horvath's discovery that some aspects of DNA methylation correlate strongly with chronological age.
Epigenetics is a form of cellular memory, a field which has significant biomarker potential. There is little research demonstrating what these epigenetic clocks are actually measuring though. The Horvath clock, with which they correlate, is also too linked to chronological age to be useful.
GlycanAge measures composition of the IgG glycome (glycans attached to IgG). The IgG glycome not only changes with age, but also affects inflammation at many levels. Glycans are not only biomarkers, but also functional effectors of aging. Many studies show accelerated glycan aging is associated with both unhealthy lifestyle and diseases. In some cases glycans were also shown to be causal for disease development.
Uniquely, GlycanAge responds to lifestyle interventions. Epigenetic clocks for example don’t respond to weight loss. GlycanAge does. Our studies demonstrate that lifestyle interventions known to be beneficial for health and aging, measurably reverse glycan aging. This makes it an ideal measure for longevity treatment.