Zymo Research Launches a Publicly Available DNA Methylation Test
DNA methylation is a form of epigenetic decoration that determines the pace at which proteins are produced from their genes. Epigenetic markers change constantly in response to circumstances, but amidst that dynamism there are steady patterns that correlate strongly with the damage of aging. These can be used to build a biomarker of biological age, a valuable technology when it comes to the development of treatments that target the processes of aging. Implementations of DNA methylation biomarkers of aging are now coming onto the market; you might recall I mentioned Osiris Green earlier this year. A more expensive implementation is now being offered by Epimorphy, a spin-off of Zymo Research. The spread of this technology should add a useful set of tests to any form of self-experimentation with potential rejuvenation therapies, such as senolytic treatments, in the years ahead.
Zymo Research Corp. announced today the release of a new service that can quantify biological aging in a precise manner using the myDNAge test. Based on Horvath's Clock, Zymo Research's proprietary technology is used to analyze DNA methylation patterns of over 500 loci. The new test will be sold to consumers via a newly formed company, Epimorphy, LLC, an associated company of Zymo Research, created to provide epigenetic-based tests to the consumer marketplace.
The detailed data report that the consumer will receive compares the customer's biological age to their chronological age, which could provide insight on how lifestyle and disease may have influenced their aging process, and could also be used to develop new anti-aging therapies. This test is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consumers can order the test online at a cost is $299 per test. Once the sample is submitted, it is prepared and analyzed using DNAge technology. A report including data analysis and biological age determination is made available for consumers.
The research community in academia and biopharma markets can also order the service for mice and human samples. "Epigenetics may hold important keys to unlocking a myriad of diseases and disorders, such as cancer, autism, Alzheimer's, and diabetes, among many others. This groundbreaking tool could provide profound insight on how biological aging is assessed. We are pleased to be able to provide this technology not only to the researcher but also to the consumer marketplace."
I've ordered this.