# Exploring Epigenetic Ageing Using Direct Methylome Sequencing

**Authors:** Elena-Cristina Găitănaru, Roua Gabriela Popescu, Andreea-Angelica Stroe, Sergiu Emil Georgescu, George Cătălin Marinescu

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes9030025 · 2025-07-14

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method using nanopore sequencing to study DNA methylation patterns related to aging, offering a more detailed and efficient approach than previous techniques.

## Contribution

The novel framework utilizes nanopore sequencing to capture full CpG context and study epigenetic aging without bisulfite conversion.

## Key findings

- Nanopore sequencing captures full CpG context and diverse genomic regions for age-associated methylation profiling.
- The method removes bisulfite conversion steps and is compatible with the latest reference genome.
- Nanopore sequencing is established as a powerful tool for epigenetic aging research and anti-aging interventions.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Advances in nanopore sequencing have opened new avenues for studying DNA methylation at single-base resolution, yet their application in epigenetic ageing research remains underdeveloped. Methods: We present a novel framework that leverages the unique capabilities of nanopore sequencing to profile and interpret age-associated methylation patterns in native DNA. Results: Unlike conventional array-based approaches, long reads sequencing captures full CpG context, accommodates diverse and repetitive genomic regions, removes bisulfite conversion steps, and is compatible to the latest reference genome. Conclusions: This work establishes nanopore sequencing as a powerful tool for next-generation epigenetic ageing studies, offering a scalable and biologically rich platform for anti-ageing interventions monitoring and longitudinal ageing studies.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** BCR (BCR activator of RhoGEF and GTPase) [NCBI Gene 613] {aka ALL, BCR1, CML, D22S11, D22S662, PHL}, CUL3 (cullin 3) [NCBI Gene 8452] {aka CUL-3, NEDAUS, PHA2E}, MUL1 (mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1) [NCBI Gene 79594] {aka C1orf166, GIDE, MAPL, MULAN, RNF218}, RBX1 (ring-box 1) [NCBI Gene 9978] {aka BA554C12.1, RNF75, ROC1}, KLHL40 (kelch like family member 40) [NCBI Gene 131377] {aka KBTBD5, NEM8, SRYP, SYRP}
- **Diseases:** ONT (MESH:C000719218), loss of skeletal muscle mass (MESH:C536030), sarcopenia (MESH:D055948), neurodegeneration (MESH:D019636), injury to (MESH:D014947), hereditary cancer (MESH:D009386), mitochondrial dysfunction (MESH:D028361), cardiovascular disorders (MESH:D002318), RRMS (MESH:D001523), cancer (MESH:D009369), skin atrophy (MESH:D001284)
- **Chemicals:** water (MESH:D014867), 5-methylcytosine (MESH:D044503), agarose (MESH:D012685), isopropanol (MESH:D019840), ethanol (MESH:D000431), ONT (-), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (MESH:C011865)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]
- **Cell lines:** FLO — Homo sapiens (Human), Barrett adenocarcinoma, Cancer cell line (CVCL_2045)

## Figures

7 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12286059/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12286059