DNA Termini Correlate with Methylation at CpG Sites in Hair, Urine and Blood Plasma Cell-Free DNA

The aim of this study was to reconstruct the age of individuals from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) present in rootless hair and urine samples using epigenetic clock methods. Hair was chosen as a noninvasive source for biological age estimation and a sample type which is relevant in forensic science. Samples were obtained from anonymous volunteers. The study expands epigenetic clock research to hair tissue and provides a resource for modeling age-related changes in CpG methylation. Whole genome shotgun sequencing data was generated for all samples using a single-stranded library preparation. ]]>
Included samples were individuals who provided hair samples, a saliva sample, and self-reported chronological age. For a subset of individuals, urine samples were collected in addition to hair and saliva.Excluded samples included those where individuals failed to provide hair or saliva samples or those who did not report chronological age.]]>