The epigenetics of aging in Indian populations

Faculty: Srimonta Gayen (DBG) and Shweta Ramdas (CBR)

India has a large aging population; associated with aging is an increased rate of
neurodegenerative disorders, many of which are associated with cognitive decline.
Understanding the risk factors for accelerated cognitive decline can be crucial in early
diagnosis and intervention.

Biological ageing in humans is associated with many molecular markers. Over the last
few decades, there have been concerted e􀆯orts to characterize these changes, and to
use them as early predictors for phenotypes associated with accelerated ageing. Since
complex trait variation is thought to be driven largely by gene regulation, studying DNA
methylation can be an invaluable tool in understanding ageing biology. Indeed,
methylation is one of the best genetic markers of biological and chronological age.

This project focuses on data from a unique aging cohort from India. Combining
genetics, epigenetics and deep phenotyping, we will identify the role of epigenetics in
cognitive decline and other aging-related traits. We will implement statistics and
machine learning tools to integrate these large datasets, and will identify unique risk
and protective factor for aging in the Indian cohort.