Using an 'Epigenetic Clock' to Predict How Long One May Live

    The article, Could a Cheek Swab Predict When You Might Die, jumps right into a new test called a CheekAge and how this test can, someday, accurately predict how long someone has to live, as well as analyze mortality rates for an individual. CheekAge test tracks epigenetics via simply swabbing cells within the mouth.  Epigenetics tracks how a person's environment or lifestyle can alter how genes function throughout their lifespan. Typically, when researchers observe epigenetics, they follow a key tracker: DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a phenomenon where, without changing the essential composition of the gene, but the gene's ability to function/ gene activity is a result of molecular alteration or shifts in the DNA segments. The CheekAge takes advantage of DNA methylation by analyzing specific DNA methylation patterns from cells inside the mouth collected via a swab. CheekAge almost acts as an "epigenetic clock,"  subsequently examining and comparing results from the test to basic methylation patterns associated with life span "mile markers." 

    Dr. Maxim Shokhirev and his team of colleagues conducted a study that involved participants who underwent testing once every three years for DNA methylation via blood cell analysis-- roughly 450,000 different methylation sites on each of their genomes were taken and observed. These same participants underwent the CheekAge test, and the results were examined and compared. Dr. Shokhirev and colleagues concluded that CheekAge is accurately and significantly associated with mortality, this was concluded through extensive and longstanding datasets. Dr. Shokhirev and his team observed specific methylation sites that seemed pivotal in determining when one might die. One gene site possibly linked to suppressing cancer is PDZRN4 and ALPK2, a gene linked to heart health and cancer development. Other methylation sites have been connected to other health diseases and syndromes, such as inflammation, metabolic syndromes, and even osteoporosis. These genes can be analyzed to see if they significantly impact the lifespan of an individual. 

    Currently, blood-based epigenetic testing is the preferred method. However, the CheekAge could be a cheaper, faster, more convenient, and a valuable alternative to analysis of tracking the biology of aging, as it uses a simple, noninvasive cheek swab rather than a blood sample being drawn from a patient. 

I found this article interesting because the idea of using a cheek swab to date and potentially predict mortality is foreign yet so interesting, which is why it sparked my curiosity. Regardless, future studies still need to be conducted to identify and clarify other health-related relations that can be linked to CheekAge. However, I believe CheekAge can be used as a means of reducing some healthcare costs [a very prevalent and pervasive crisis in this day and age] since CheekAge is a simpler, cheaper, and faster method of epigenetic testing, making healthcare more widely accessible and available to people. Potentially, being able to use CheekAge to determine the frequency of age-related diseases, duration of health spans, and better predict risk rates for individuals diagnosed with life-threatening diseases could remarkably change the healthcare system for the better!

Cancer May Leave Early Warning Signs in Cheek Cells

Everyone knows that when they smoke, their chances of cancer increase. It has been found now that cheek cells show could provide early warning signs of cancer. A study was done with 790 women where each one had their cheek swabbed for their cells. It came back that those who did smoke were more likely to have certain changes associated with cancer. The researchers were looking for changes in cells where a system of chemicals and proteins attach to DNA and turn genes on and off. The researchers also found a "signature" of smoking and once finding this then they could differentiate between normal and cancerous cells. These changes are associated with cancer development and are triggered by things such as cigarette smoke. This study will help people by possibly detecting their cancer early or better predict it. 

This is such a great discovery. I really think that this will help in such a large way and it'll make detecting cancer a lost easier and faster. I would highly suggest and definitely think that everyone who smokes cigarettes should get this test done because it can have many benefits for them. 

Cancer May Leave Early Warning Signs in Cheek Cells

According to Live Science, a study has found that mutated cheek cells from smokers can be used for earlier detection of certain cancers. These cancers would include but are not limited to breast and gynecological cancers. A study was conducted by taking cheek swabs from 790 women. It was found that the women who were smokers showed certain variations in the cell associated with certain types of cancers.

Researchers in this study were looking for epigenetic changes within the cells. These changes are associated with cancer development. In this study it was found that there was a signature epigenetic change in those who smoked. While looking for this signature, it was discovered that they were able to differentiate between cancerous tissue and non-cancerous tissue. These included cancers not only localized in the mouth but throughout the body. This signature was also able to predict if precancerous lesions would form into a full-blown cancer.

I found this article to be interesting because cancers could be detected from a simple cheek swab. It was interesting that it was cancers that are not localized to that specific area but throughout the entire body. This article went on to say that researchers had found that cheek cells may be better at indicating epigenetic changing in women than if blood cells were used. Cheek cells showed approximately a 40-fold increase in abnormal genetic activity.