MammalMethylClock R package: software for DNA Methylation-Based Epigenetic Clocks in Mammals

Abstract

Epigenetic clocks are prediction methods that relate cytosine methylation levels at specific genomic sites to chronological age, accounting for nuances such as genome mapping information and possibly life history traits such as age at sexual maturity. Defined as multivariate regression models, these DNA methylation-based biomarkers have gained prominence in species conservation efforts and preclinical studies. Once built, these models predict an individuals age from their tissue samples methylation profile, with great potential for aging research, disease risk prediction, gauging intervention impacts. Through the collaborative efforts of our Mammalian Methylation Consortium, weve described epigenetic clocks for numerous mammalian species. Our R package includes the utility for implementing these pre-existing mammalian clocks. Overall, we present software tools and a dedicated R package called MammalMethylClock, designed for the construction and assessment of epigenetic clocks.