Epigenetics data from nearly 1,500 participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) are now available for access by approved researchers.

The analyses, led by Dr. Michael Kobor of the University of British Columbia, profiled genome-wide DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from selected participants using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip microarrays. These high-dimensional, single-assay data are derived from the same group of participants who were selected for genetics, clinical chemistry and metabolomics analyses. 

For a more extensive summary of the epigenetic analyses, click here.

Epigenetics play a significant role in growth, development and disease progression. The epigenome changes in response to diet, stress, and other environmental factors, and these changes can also be passed on from one generation to the next. Investigating DNA methylation as an epigenetic mark will allow researchers to explore how the environment influences cellular function to affect the way that people age as well as the risk of adverse health outcomes.

The CLSA epigenetics data are now available through the CLSA online data access application process. Researchers may also apply for other Baseline biomarkers, including genome-wide genetic data, clinical chemistry and hematology reports. CLSA metabolomics data are expected to be available in 2020.