Cross-Platform Application of DNA Methylation Age Estimation Model in Eastern Chinese Han Population

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the forensic application value of an age estimation model based on DNA methylation in eastern Chinese Han population， and to provide a theoretical basis for exploring age estimation models suitable for different detection platforms. Methods According to the 6 age-related methylation sites in the published blood DNA methylation age estimation models of Chinese Han population， the DNA methylation level of 48 samples was detected by pyrosequencing and next-generation sequencing （NGS）. After submitting DNA methylation levels to the age estimation model， the DNA methylation ages were predicted and compared with their real ages. Results The 6 DNA methylation sites in both detection techniques were age-related， with an R2 of 0.85 and a median absolute deviation （MAD） of 4.81 years when using pyrosequencing； with an R2 of 0.84 and MAD of 4.41 years when using NGS. Conclusion The blood DNA methylation age estimation model can be used under pyrosequencing and multi-purpose regional methylation enrichment sequencing technology based on NGS and it can accurately estimate the age.

Keywords

• |forensic genetic|epigenetics|age estimation|dna methylation|pyrosequencing|next-generation sequencing