Genomic and Epigenomic Potential With Age: Genome, Epigenome, and the Epigenetic Clock

Aging can be defined as a multilevel deterioration of physiological activities, and it is an inevitable consequence of life. In contrast, longevity can serve as a model for a long healthy lifespan. The science of longevity aims to elucidate the aging process, so that healthspan may be rapidly increased and thus alleviate some of the physical burden. The nine hallmarks of aging previously described are intertwined and affected by many of the same factors, such as mutations in aging-associated genes, DNA methylation, ncRNAs, and chromatin remodeling (as a result of genomic instability) which are triggers for cellular senescence. The interactions of the different hallmarks or aspects of aging are the driving force behind the aging process. Here we will discuss the genomics and epigenomics of human aging and longevity, both of which are main contributors that effect all nine hallmarks, and thus the course of aging of an individual.