Charting the DNA methylation landscape of the Killifish across age and tissues

Killifish are among the shortest-lived vertebrates and are considered a promising model organism for aging. However, so far virtually nothing is known about its DNA methylome, which is frequently used for age and health status predictions in mammals. Here, we provide a comprehensive whole-genome killifish methylation map covering different tissues, age groups, and species. We show that the methylome of all individuals follows the typical, bimodal distribution of either high or low methylation rates. Furthermore, we find the major methylation variance within a species is driven by cell type-specific methylation and small but detectable aging related dynamics separating the age groups. Overall design: Analysis of the DNA methylome of different tissues and age goups from the turquoise (Nothobranchius furzeri) and spotted killifish (Nothobranchius orthonotus).