DT News - India - Booming "biological ageing" industry: powered by funding & support

Dr. Rajeev Chitguppi

Thu. 27 February 2025

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Ageing is no longer just a matter of counting birthdays—it’s a biological process that scientists are learning to measure with unprecedented precision. Armed with cutting-edge molecular ‘clocks,’ researchers are unlocking the secrets of how we age at the cellular level, offering insights that could revolutionize health, longevity, and personalized medicine. With growing public enthusiasm and increased funding, these biomarkers are paving the way for interventions that may slow or even reverse aspects of ageing. This breakthrough science is shifting the focus from merely extending lifespan to enhancing healthspan, bringing hope for a future where age is truly just a number.

How fast are you aging? What molecular ‘clocks’ can reveal about your health
New funding and public interest may reshape how we measure aging

Aging tests based on biomarkers are attracting sizable investments and widespread attention. Some researchers focus on DNA methylation; others monitor proteins and metabolic products to pinpoint the pace of physical decline. These approaches might one day help guide therapies that boost the number of healthy years. Many tests remain in early phases, and there is no single definition of “biological age.” Scientists often debate which markers are most accurate and how they apply to diverse groups.

Competitions such as XPRIZE Healthspan measure real-world impacts on muscle strength, cognition, and immune function, rather than relying on DNA tests alone. These efforts may clarify how new treatments can maintain quality of life as people grow older. Clock-style tests originated from studies linking certain methylation patterns to age and various health outcomes, though the reasons behind these patterns are still unclear.

Dentistry stands to gain from this work. Oral tissues can mirror overall well-being, so a saliva or gum test might spot disease early or show how well a person ages. Dentists could adapt care plans to preserve teeth, gums, and bone based on changes that relate to health beyond the mouth.

Many questions remain, and more evidence is needed before these tests become standard in clinics. Dental Tribune will share updates on the discoveries and how they might shape dental practice. The promise is significant, yet careful study is essential while these tools develop.

References:

1. Heidi Ledford, How quickly are you ageing? What molecular ‘clocks’ can tell you about your health. Nature 638, 874-876 (2025) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-00566-6

2. Levine ME, Lu AT, Quach A, Chen BH, Assimes TL, Bandinelli S, Hou L, Baccarelli AA, Stewart JD, Li Y, Whitsel EA, Wilson JG, Reiner AP, Aviv A, Lohman K, Liu Y, Ferrucci L, Horvath S. An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan. Aging (Albany NY). 2018 Apr 18;10(4):573-591. doi: 10.18632/aging.101414. PMID: 29676998; PMCID: PMC5940111.

3. Belsky DW, Caspi A, Corcoran DL, Sugden K, Poulton R, Arseneault L, Baccarelli A, Chamarti K, Gao X, Hannon E, Harrington HL, Houts R, Kothari M, Kwon D, Mill J, Schwartz J, Vokonas P, Wang C, Williams BS, Moffitt TE. DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation biomarker of the pace of aging. Elife. 2022 Jan 14;11:e73420. doi: 10.7554/eLife.73420. PMID: 35029144; PMCID: PMC8853656.